Over 7.3 million adolescent girls, women suffer from undernutrition – Minister

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan, revealed that over 7.3 million adolescent girls and women in Nigeria suffer from undernutrition. She also highlighted that 55% of the population is affected by anaemia, worsened by poor menstrual hygiene and lack of affordable sanitary products.

The Minister made these statements at a meeting where Nigeria's first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) was validated and adopted. The policy includes a recent waiver on sanitary towels by President Bola Tinubu, showing sensitivity to gender and public health issues.

The Minister emphasized that menstruation is a normal biological process and should not be a source of shame or stigma. The implementation of the policy will require collaboration across sectors and active participation from the government, community, and development partners.

This initiative is seen as a milestone towards ensuring that menstruation is no longer a silent burden and is addressed with dignity, empathy, and urgency.