World Vision donates over 15,000 reusable pads to schools in Nebbi

Nebbi, Uganda: World Vision has donated 15,748 reusable sanitary pads worth Shs173.2 million to government-aided primary and secondary schools in Nebbi District, in a move aimed at improving menstrual hygiene and keeping girls in school.

The donation, delivered under the Protect Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Project with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, targets learners from Primary Four to Primary Seven and Senior One to Senior Six.

While handing over the items at Nebbi District headquarters, SRHR Programme Manager Paddy Tumwesigye said the intervention seeks to address one of the key drivers of school dropout among girls, poor menstrual hygiene management.

“One of the major factors contributing to school dropout among girls is lack of access to sanitary facilities and pads. Through this project, we have secured reusable sanitary pads that will be distributed to government-aided schools to support girls in staying in school,” Tumwesigye said.

He noted that although menstruation is a natural biological process, it remains surrounded by stigma, often leading to discrimination, absenteeism, and poor completion rates among girls.

Receiving the donation, Nebbi Principal Assistant Secretary Onenchan Gilbert welcomed the support but cautioned that such interventions must be sustained to have long-term impact.

“As a district, we appreciate this support, but reusable pads have a limited lifespan. We must work towards sustainable solutions to address menstrual hygiene challenges among girls,” he said.

Acting Community Development Officer Afoyorwoth Yerusa said improved access to hygiene kits could significantly reduce school absenteeism among girls, especially in rural communities where access to such resources remains limited.

“With proper hygiene support, we believe more girls will stay in school and complete their education,” Yerusa noted.

Nebbi Deputy RDC Bweri Paul Ogallo commended World Vision and its partners for complementing government efforts in improving education outcomes, pledging close monitoring to ensure the pads reach intended beneficiaries.

“We will ensure that these materials are properly distributed and used by the girls to improve menstrual hygiene management,” Ogallo said.

District LC5 Vice Chairperson Okello Geoffrey called for continued partnerships and skills development, urging organisations to empower learners to produce reusable sanitary pads locally for sustainability.

The intervention comes amid ongoing efforts to improve retention and completion rates among girls in Uganda, where menstrual hygiene challenges remain a significant barrier to education.