Access Centre Distributes Reusable Sanitary Pads to Primary Schools in Agago
Access Centre Uganda has successfully distributed reusable sanitary pad kits to over 9,000 school-going girls in all government and community primary schools across Agago District.
The distribution is part of the organization’s broader Girls’ Education and Health initiative, which aims to reduce school absenteeism caused by menstruation. Many girls in the district previously missed classes or dropped out entirely due to lack of access to sanitary products.
Each kit contains **four reusable pads**, a bar of soap, and an educational guide on menstrual hygiene management. The initiative was rolled out with the support of school management committees and trained female teachers who are now serving as hygiene ambassadors.
“Menstruation should never be a barrier to a girl’s education,” said Freeman Canogura Ayaa, Program Officer at Access Centre Uganda. “These kits are sustainable, washable, and last up to 12 months. They empower girls to attend school with confidence and dignity.”
At Patongo Akwer Primary School, 13-year-old Akello Winnie said the pads have helped her concentrate on her studies. “Before, I stayed home for four days every month. Now I don’t miss lessons,” she shared.
According to the Ministry of Education, lack of menstrual products contributes to over 30% absenteeism among upper primary girls in rural Uganda. Access Centre is now calling on partners to help scale the initiative to secondary schools and out-of-school adolescent girls.