A university lecturer, Dr Valda Martins, has attributed the rising cases of cervical cancer and other related ailments among women and girls in Nigeria to poor menstrual hygiene.
The academic made the remark during the launch of her book, Menstrual Hygiene Among Women, in Minna, Niger State.
Dr. Martins, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, identified poor menstrual hygiene management as a major factor responsible for the increasing cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases among women and girls.
According to the university lecturer, the lack of awareness and sensitisation on menstrual hygiene has left many women and girls unable to properly manage their menstruation.
“I have interacted with over 6,000 girls through outreaches and school visits, and I was shocked to discover that 90% of them lack basic knowledge of proper menstrual hygiene,” Dr. Martins stated.
The academic described the situation as worrisome, noting that if action are not taking urgently, cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases will continue to be on the increase.
Representatives of Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State, Hamisu Jankaro, emphasised the importance of menstrual hygiene management, stating that menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue but also a human rights issue.
