World Vision Ghana Launches Community Pad Bank to Tackle Period Poverty
The Agortime Cluster of World Vision Ghana has launched a Community Pad Bank initiative in Yadzo, within the Kadjebi Area Programme in the Oti Region, to provide free sanitary pads to vulnerable and underserved girls in the community. The initiative forms part of the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations. The initiative aims to reduce period poverty and promote menstrual dignity.
Held under the global theme of 'Together for a Period Friendly World', the launch brought together stakeholders from the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Education Service and the Kadjebi District Assembly.
Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, ensuring that every girl has the necessary resources and confidence to manage her period safely and with dignity.
In his speech at the ceremony, Irvine Aboagye, Southern Regional Operations Manager of World Vision Ghana, emphasised the urgent need for such initiatives.
“Teenage pregnancy among girls continues to rise, partly due to their dependence on boys for basic necessities such as sanitary products. The Community Pad Bank is more than just a donation centre; it is a lifeline that protects the dignity and future of our girls,” he stated.
The Pad Bank will be replenished through voluntary community donations. Individuals, institutions and partners are encouraged to contribute at least one pack of sanitary pads per month.
This initiative is expected to reduce exploitation, increase school attendance among girls, and address long-standing myths and taboos surrounding menstruation.
Cynthia, a midwife from the Yadzo CHPS Compound, also led a practical session on menstrual hygiene, teaching young girls how to apply and dispose of sanitary pads properly and safely.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kadjebi, Dr Sam Suraj Issaka, praised the initiative, describing it as a vital step towards improving the health, dignity and educational prospects of girls in the area.
World Vision Ghana’s commitment to menstrual hygiene goes beyond providing products. It also involves education, advocacy and developing infrastructure to support safe and healthy practices.
The Community Pad Bank is a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive and equitable future for girls and women in Yadzo and beyond.