NEW: Government launches Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Management Programme

Online Reporter

THE Government has launched an Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Management Programme as part of its initiatives to provide sanitary wear to girls in vulnerable communities.

Under the programme, Government, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, is training teachers and students on how to make reusable sanitary pads.

Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini said the initiative sought to increase school attendance among girls in vulnerable communities.

“We have realised that some students, especially the girl child, decide not to attend school during their menstruation cycles,” he said. “The prices for pads can be too much for some of the children in vulnerable communities.

“In this programme, we want to ensure that every child has at least four reusable pads at any given time.”

Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Midlands Provincial Manager, Mrs Karen Kangamwirai, said the council will provide disposable and reusable sanitary pads until schools can cater for themselves.

“We are going to have a phased approach in implementing this project,” she said.

“We have since acquired the disposable pads that we are currently distributing in this initial phase. However, we want to amplify this project by creating continuity. We will do this through training teachers on how to make reusable pads.”