Cerba Lancet menstrual hygiene campaign equips Lagos girls with reproductive health education and free sanitary pads to boost confidence and equality

Cerba Lancet menstrual hygiene campaign is empowering young girls in Lagos with vital reproductive health education and free sanitary supplies, offering a boost to their confidence, well-being, and future prospects.

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Over 1,000 female students at Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, benefited from the 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme spearheaded by the multinational diagnostics company, Cerba Lancet Nigeria, in commemoration of its ongoing Pad-Up initiative.

Medical experts who addressed the students emphasised that when girls are equipped with accurate information and adequate resources, they are better able to manage their periods without shame or stigma, leading to improved health and educational outcomes.

Cerba Lancet Nigeria’s Medical Director, Dr Fred Obiajulu, explained the importance of the initiative in fostering gender equality and minimising reproductive health complications.

“When a girl is healthy, society is healthy,” he said. “Suppressing the girl child leads to the regression of any society. That’s why we are anchoring this project—to train them to manage their reproductive health from the onset.”

Obiajulu stressed that the Pad-Up programme aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

“The girl child is central to the SDGs, especially in areas of gender equality and reproductive health. Any society that suppresses its girls will never progress,” he added.

He further educated the students on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), noting its hormonal implications and the importance of medical diagnosis.

“PCOS involves multiple cysts in the ovaries, which can disrupt hormone production and menstrual cycles. Treatment varies by individual and should be guided by a physician,” he explained.

They now understand what an irregular or discoloured period could mean. Knowing the difference between a short and long cycle gives them confidence.

Speaking on the broader impact of the initiative, Cerba Lancet Nigeria’s Head of Business Development and Marketing, Temitope Ambrose, said Pad-Up has been running for eight years, reaching rural and urban communities alike.

“Cerba Lancet is committed to community health. Pad-Up is our flagship CSR effort, and we ensure no girl is left behind. We provide education, confidence, and better hygiene practices,” Ambrose said.

The school’s Commandant, Captain Yakubu Haruna, praised the effort, calling it “educational and timely,” and urging more organisations to replicate such interventions.

“Today’s event is quite interesting because it is educational. We’ve been looking forward to such programmes to teach them how to care for their bodies and properly dispose of sanitary pads,” Haruna said.

Mrs Musa Janet, the School Matron, described the session as deeply impactful, noting that the students now have a better grasp of irregular menstrual cycles, hygiene, and health indicators.

“They now understand what an irregular or discoloured period could mean. Knowing the difference between a short and long cycle gives them confidence,” she said.

The initiative concluded with the distribution of free sanitary pads to all participants, underlining Cerba Lancet Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive health, dignity, and empowerment for Nigerian girls.

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By advancing menstrual health education, the Cerba Lancet menstrual hygiene campaign reinforces a future where every girl has the tools and knowledge to thrive.