Providing sanitary pads to schoolgirls is an important social intervention.
Recent procurement figures warrant careful scrutiny.
The reported unit cost of the government-distributed PadSchool product is GH¢ 44.3 per pack, totalling GH¢264.3 million for six million packs. Public procurement cannot operate on assumptions. It must be anchored in evidence.
More troubling, however, are reports questioning the quality of the distributed product.
Menstrual hygiene products are not ordinary commodities; they are intimate health items.
Poor-quality pads can have direct health consequences.
Low absorbency increases the risk of prolonged moisture exposure, which may contribute to skin irritation, rashes and discomfort.
Inferior materials can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis, particularly among adolescents whose skin may be sensitive. Inadequate adhesive backing may lead to leakage, increasing anxiety, stigma and school absenteeism.
In extreme cases, unsanitary or substandard manufacturing conditions may expose users to infection.
The Minister of Education’s decision to initiate an audit is, therefore, both appropriate and urgent.
The audit must examine not only financial documentation, but also product testing standards, supplier selection processes and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Isaac Ofori, Tutor, Winneba Senior High School.
Social Activist and Human Rights Advocate.
E-mail: isaacofori449@gmail.com
