By TIMOTHY MBAYA

Migori first lady Helen Obado has rolled out a menstrual health campaign in all public schools that will see adolescent girl remain in school during their menstrual cycle.

The campaign kicked off in Kuria East on Tuesday and was flagged off by Mrs Obado and is expected to be rolled in other public schools in the county.

Speaking at Nyamagenga and Siabai Primary schools in Kuria East when she delivered the first batch of the sanitary towels, Mrs Obado regretted that most girls from poor backgrounds could not effectively progress with studies whenever they experienced their menses.

Mrs Obado noted that girls from humble backgrounds are tempted to seek the much needed towels from men who end up engaging them in sexual activities in return for favours.

“Our young girls have fallen prey to sex pests due to poverty and we have launched this programme to supplement their sanitary need where their  parents are incapacitated.” She said.

She added: “We want our young girls to carry on with their learning undeterred because the current society is looking up to the girl child for a better future.”

Ntimaru East MCA Augustine Mwise lauded the move as the best approach in curbing early school drop outs which is prevalent among the Kuria community.

“We have witnessed a high rate of school drop outs amongst the girls brought about by poverty and we are convinced that the initiative will impact positively on academic progress of of our young children.” he said.

The program launch was witnessed with county education officials, county gender officials and a host of MCAs from the health committee.