Corps member Monica Patrick donated 300 sanitary pads to fellow National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members at the orientation camp in Okada, Edo State, on Thursday. Patrick, a graduate of the University of Calabar currently serving in the state, organized the donation as part of her outreach initiative to promote menstrual hygiene and women’s health.
Alongside the distribution of pads, Patrick facilitated a workshop on vaginal hygiene. She stated that the initiative was born out of her passion for the well-being of women and girls. “I have always had the desire to reach out to the girl-child and women. This programme, which includes a health talk and free distribution of sanitary pads, is a step in that direction.” Patrick said.
She also expressed gratitude to the state coordinator, platoon leaders, and her brother, Dr. Prince Michael, for their support.
The health session was facilitated by Fatima Hassan, Executive Director of the Women for Greater Good Foundation, who sensitized the corps members to proper vaginal care and menstrual hygiene. Hassan emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and adopting healthy hygiene practices, cautioning against harmful practices like douching.
Dr. Frances Ben-Ushie, NYSC State Coordinator, lauded Patrick’s gesture as timely, noting that the camp currently houses 864 female corps members. “Her initiative will not only help those in need but also inspire others to take action,” Dr. Ben-Ushie stated, adding that many ladies in camp may lack the resources or knowledge to maintain proper menstrual hygiene.
Dr. Ben-Ushie, who is also the founder of Florish Foundation for Women and Youth, formally launched the foundation at the event. Established in 2023, the foundation focuses on education and health and has partnered with NYSC to drive interventions on sickle cell awareness, genotype testing, and rural health outreach.
Highlighting Nigeria’s high prevalence of sickle cell disease, with approximately 150,000 children born with the condition annually, Dr. Ben-Ushie emphasized the role of corps members as powerful change agents in educating communities and reducing the incidence of the preventable disease. She stressed the importance of genotype awareness, particularly among intending couples, warning against marriages between incompatible genotypes to prevent the transmission of sickle cell.
Dr. Ben-Ushie affirmed that the NYSC platform would continue to be a key driver of health and social change across Nigeria, with corps members actively engaged in vital sensitization efforts.
