Health
Fame Foundation Calls For Action Against Period Poverty On World Menstrual Hygiene Day
Joel Ajayi
FAME Foundation joins the global community to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness on the importance of menstrual health, hygiene education, and access to safe menstrual products for women and girls around the world.
The theme for this year, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” calls for collective action toward creating a society where menstruation is treated with dignity, openness, support, and equality.
The theme further emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation while encouraging stronger support systems, awareness, education, and access to menstrual hygiene resources for girls and women. It also highlights the need to create environments where menstruation does not limit confidence, participation, health, or opportunity.
Speaking to the press, issued on Thursday in Abuja, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director, FAME Foundation, described menstrual health as a fundamental issue of dignity, health, education, and equality.
“Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet millions of girls and women continue to face shame, stigma, poor access to menstrual products, and limited information about menstrual hygiene. No girl should miss school, feel excluded, or be denied opportunities because of her period.”
She explained that period poverty continues to affect many girls, especially those in underserved communities, limiting their confidence, participation, education, and overall well-being.
“Many girls still struggle to access sanitary products and safe hygiene facilities. Lack of proper menstrual hygiene education also leaves young girls vulnerable to misinformation, embarrassment, and health risks. These challenges must be addressed collectively and intentionally.”
She further emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces where girls can openly discuss menstrual health without fear, shame, or discrimination.
“Ending menstrual stigma begins with education and open conversations. Girls deserve accurate information, support, and environments where menstruation is treated with dignity and understanding rather than silence or shame.”
FAME Foundation continues to advocate for menstrual health awareness through community outreaches, sensitization programs, and initiatives that support girls with menstrual hygiene education and access to sanitary products, particularly among vulnerable and underserved communities.
She stated;
“Access to menstrual hygiene products and education should not be considered a privilege. It is essential to the health, confidence, and development of every girl and woman.”
She also called on governments, schools, development organizations, private institutions, and community leaders to strengthen efforts to end period poverty and improve menstrual health support systems.
“Collective action is needed to ensure that girls and women can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and without barriers. Investing in menstrual health is an investment in education, equality, dignity, and the future of girls.”
She concluded by encouraging continued advocacy and awareness beyond the annual commemoration.
“World Menstrual Hygiene Day reminds us that menstrual health matters every day. Creating a world where no girl is held back because of menstruation requires continuous awareness, support, and action from all sectors of society.”
Health
Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match
By Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.
The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.
The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.
The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.
Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.
She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.
According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.
Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.
He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.
“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.
Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.
He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.
The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.
He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.
In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.
Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.
Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.
With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.
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