AHF launches comic book to tackle menstrual stigma among Nigerian girls

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has launched a 26-page comic magazine titled ‘Amina’s First Flow’ to improve menstrual health education among adolescent girls and address the stigma surrounding menstruation in Nigeria.

The magazine, unveiled on Thursday in Abuja, uses illustrations and relatable stories to explain menstrual hygiene, correct misconceptions, and encourage open conversations about menstruation.

Speaking at the launch, AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, said the initiative was designed to make menstrual health information more accessible and appealing to adolescents and young women.

Mr Aborisade said the stigma associated with menstruation remained a major challenge to menstrual health education, particularly in communities where cultural beliefs discourage open discussions about periods.

“We reckon that the target audience for the comic magazine would find the message in it interesting and easily embrace it for their benefit, and they too can help share the message accordingly,” he said.

Addressing menstrual stigma

Amina’s First Flow highlights some of the challenges girls face in managing menstruation, including limited access to accurate information, harmful cultural beliefs and misconceptions about menstrual health.

It also provides practical guidance on maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation and encourages boys and men to support menstrual health education.

According to AHF, menstrual health education is important in addressing the shame and discrimination experienced by girls and young women.

The organisation noted that cultural taboos in some communities prevent girls from discussing menstruation openly, accessing reliable reproductive health information or seeking appropriate care.

It said the comic format was intended to make the information easier for young readers to understand and share with their peers.

Globally, nearly two billion people menstruate, while an estimated 500 million experience period poverty.

Period poverty refers to inadequate access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and information needed to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

Plans for local language versions

The AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Echey Ijezie, said the organisation planned to translate the magazine into several Nigerian languages to reach more girls, particularly those who may have difficulty accessing menstrual health information in English.

Mr Ijezie said AHF would also explore collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to distribute the publication through educational and community outreach programmes.

“It is imperative to ensure that our target audience is reached in the near future. We would work with the Federal Ministry of Education and explore the outreaches to use them as education and awareness tools,” he said.

He explained that producing the magazine in local languages would help broaden its reach and make the information more accessible to its intended audience.

Government pledges support

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said the ministry would support AHF’s efforts to improve girls’ welfare and development in Nigeria.

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Mrs Suleiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Osaro Osa-Jarikre of the Child Development Department, said the ministry intended to incorporate AHF’s programmes into a forthcoming policy initiative.

“Our ministry has resolved to carry the AHF along in the various programmes we have designed for the girl child in Nigeria, and we are also ready to offer needed support to the foundation in its quest to upgrade the Nigerian young generation,” she said.

She described the foundation as an important partner in advancing programmes aimed at improving girls’ wellbeing.

The launch was attended by representatives of civil society organisations, health professionals and youth-focused groups.

Among those present were AHF Nursing Manager Charity Awunor; AHF State Clinical Coordinator Ugochi Ajaero; Binta Suleiman Jalo of the Kids & Teens Resource Centre, Abuja; and Taiwo Ajani of Lawyers Alert.