Adinya Arise Foundation, an NGO, has called for urgent action to address the menstrual hygiene and sanitation needs of women and girls affected by the devastating floods in Maiduguri.
Mrs Mabel Ade, the Executive Director of the foundation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that many women and girls are stranded and struggling to access basic necessities.
She emphasised that women and girls are among the most severely impacted, as their unique hygiene needs have largely been neglected in the ongoing emergency response.
Ade noted the dire conditions faced by menstruating women and pregnant women trapped in waterlogged areas.
“Pregnant women have delivered in unsanitary conditions, and some have even suffered miscarriages due to the dehumanising circumstances.
“We are deeply concerned about the plight of women and girls who lack access to sanitary pads, clean underwear, or adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
“Periods don’t stop in emergencies, yet the specific needs of women and girls are often deprioritised during crises, the absence of menstrual health products only adds indignity and discomfort to an already dire situation”.
Ade further explained that the lack of proper menstrual hygiene products has forced many women to use improvised and unhygienic materials, increasing the risk of infections and emotional distress.
She stressed the urgency of addressing this overlooked issue, noting that it is not just about meeting basic needs, but also about protecting women’s health and rights during disasters.
The foundation, she said, has been mobilising efforts to deliver essential hygiene products, such as sanitary pads, detergents, and clean clothing, to affected communities.
Ade acknowledged that the need far exceeds the foundation’s capacity and called on individuals, organisations, and the government to provide broader support and coordinated action.
“A simple supply of sanitary pads and hygiene products can restore dignity to thousands of women and girls in Maiduguri. We need a collective effort to make a lasting impact,” Ade urged.
The executive director stressed the importance of policymakers and organisations ensuring that the unique needs of women and girls are prioritised in disaster relief efforts.
“We cannot afford to let menstrual hygiene fall through the cracks of disaster response.
“Together, we can alleviate the suffering of Maiduguri’s women and girls and ensure they are not left behind,” she added.
Ade called for immediate assistance from all stakeholders to provide the much-needed relief for these vulnerable communities.
NAN recalls that many residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, have been displaced by flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
The flood had submerged residential areas, roads, and bridges, making parts of the city inaccessible.
Maiduguri is experiencing its worst flooding in 30 years, with homes underwater, schools closed, and businesses paralysed, as residents evacuate with their belongings. (NAN)
