AHF releases comic book to help Nigerian girls with menstrual issues

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has launched a 26-page comic magazine called ‘Amina’s First Flow’ to boost menstrual health education for young girls and tackle the stigma around menstruation in Nigeria.

The magazine was launched on Thursday in Abuja. It uses pictures and relatable stories to explain menstrual hygiene, clear up misunderstandings, and encourage open talks about menstruation.

While speaking at the launch, AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, said the goal was to make menstrual health information easier to understand and more appealing to young women and girls.

Mr Aborisade pointed out that the stigma surrounding menstruation is a big challenge for menstrual health education. This is especially true in communities where cultural beliefs stop people from discussing periods openly.

"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.

Tackling menstrual stigma

Amina’s First Flow shows some of the challenges girls face while managing menstruation. These challenges include a lack of accurate information, harmful cultural beliefs, and misconceptions about menstrual health.

The comic also gives practical tips on keeping personal hygiene during menstruation and encourages boys and men to support menstrual health education.

According to AHF, menstrual health education is key in fighting the shame and discrimination that girls and young women face.

The organization noted that cultural taboos in some places make it hard for girls to talk about menstruation. This also stops them from getting reliable reproductive health information or seeking the right care.

They said the comic format is meant to make the information easier for young readers to understand and share with their friends.

Worldwide, nearly two billion people menstruate, and an estimated 500 million deal with period poverty.

Period poverty means not having enough access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and the right information to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

Plans for local language versions

The AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Echey Ijezie, said the organization plans to translate the magazine into several Nigerian languages. This will help reach more girls, especially those who find it hard to access menstrual health information in English.

Mr Ijezie said AHF would also look to work with the Federal Ministry of Education to distribute the magazine through schools and community outreach programs.

"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 making the magazine available in local languages would help it reach more people and make the information easier to understand for the intended audience.

Government pledges support

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also spoke at the event. She said the ministry would support AHF’s work to improve girls’ welfare and development in Nigeria.

Mrs Suleiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Osaro Osa-Jarikre of the Child Development Department, said the ministry wants to include AHF’s programs in an upcoming policy initiative.

"Our ministry has resolved to carry the AHF along in the various programs 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 AHF as an important partner in programs aimed at improving girls’ wellbeing. The launch was attended by representatives from civil society groups, health professionals, and youth-focused organizations.