By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, May 31, Mana: Blantyre District Council has called for concerted effort among school authorities and parents to ensure that adolescent girls do not drop out of school or fail to attend classes due to menstrual hygiene issues.

Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Elson Mdumuka made the call on Friday at Chikuli Primary School at Senior Chief Kunthembwe’s area during the commemoration of 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day organized by Israeli development partner, IsraAID.

“It is by nature that every girl child has to pass through this stage, but what matters most is for mother groups, school authorities, parents, and guardians to help them understand this biological stage and how they can take care of themselves both at school and home,” he said.

Mdumuka encouraged people, irrespective of gender, to dispel myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Officer for IsraAID, Vitumibiko Mbulo, said the organization will continue to promote best menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls through awareness campaigns.

“We believe that by encouraging girls practice menstrual hygiene will help to promote their health, well-being, and dignity, thereby boosting their self-esteem and confidence,” she said.

A standard 6 girls at Chikuli Primary School, Chisomo Mseko, said she was among many girls that used to be absent from school every time she was menstruating.

She said the awareness during the World Menstrual Hygiene Day changed her perception and built confidence in her that menstruation should not prevent girls from attending classes or be a demotivating factor to girls’ overall well-being.

At the function, IsraAID and Malawi Red Cross Society donated plastic buckets and sanitary pads to learners at Dzunga and Chikuli primary schools.