Rethink Youth Platform Executive Director Jimmy Zozi has called for free distribution of sanitary pads to girls and women to help end period poverty in Zambia. Speaking in an exclusive with the media news, Mr Zozi said for Zambia to maintain the Universal Health Coverage (UHC)…

Rethink Youth Platform Executive Director Jimmy Zozi has called for free distribution of sanitary pads to girls and women to help end period poverty in Zambia.

Speaking in an exclusive with the media news, Mr Zozi said for Zambia to maintain the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and achieve vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it has to put menstrual health and hygiene first.

‎‎Mr Zozi stated that promoting menstrual health and hygiene does not end at catering for well-being but goes beyond growth as girls maintain attendance in schools and women are able to serve with poise contributing to the nation’s development.

‎He further called on government to come up with deliberate policies to support such cause, stating that it will attract agencies to come on board to drive and sustain the move

‎‎“Government is a major stakeholder in promoting this agenda, ” he said.

‎‎ “The community and other civil society organisations should also come on board to help with initiatives of sanitary pad donations.”

Meanwhile Planned Parenthood Associates of Zambia (PPAZ) member Kondwelani Kamanga bemoaned that most girls are exposed to health risks as they opt to use other means during their period cycle.

‎Mr Kamanga emphasised the importance of collaboration especially in the education sector in promoting young people who cannot afford sanitary pads to stay in school.