KUCHING: Few days ago, Health Minister, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa announced initiatives to combat period poverty.
Her announcement to make free sanitary pads available at the ministry drew a lot of attention on social media with users weighing in on how the programme should be conducted.
The programme was launched in the Health Ministry’s main office in order to assess the operational side and obtain rapid feedback.
Manjeet Sidhu, Chairman of Sarawak Human Development Organisation (PPIS) welcomed the ministry initiative to provide free sanitary pads.
“I agree with the Health Ministry on providing free sanitary pads to girls in school or perhaps even high school, the B40 families and deserving ones.
“I can understand the cost of these sanitary pads could be a burden for certain families. I, myself have initiated this programme some three years ago when I saw hardcore poor families only using towels as pads for their grown-up girls,” said Manjeet yesterday.
“This really broke my heart to see as towels are washed and reused but it is not hygienic at all and this could lead to yeast infection, vaginal discharge or stomach problems with germs accumulated.
“I provide each family help of six months per child so that they can sustain using it. To my surprise some even do not know why a sanitary pad needs to be used or how to use it too.
“Thus, I did a personal coaching to these families so that they know the importance of it and after using, the method of disposal.
She emphasised that her targets are rural and Penan families mostly as of now.
“It’s a great plan as it will help a lot of Sarawakian B40 families in easing their burden of purchasing the sanitary pads.
“As we all understand each woman has a different cycle which could be a heavy flow for some where usage of more sanitary pads may be necessary,” she stressed.
“Sanitary pads can be expensive to a B40 family with two or three girls in their homes. I would not say it is not an expensive item. It is expensive for a wage earner or a daily paid worker.
“We initiated this programme three years ago after studying the needs of these young village girls and thus I am still providing them sanitary pads from time to time.
“We initiate it together with our food banks for B40 families who have daughters in their families so they do not feel ashamed about receiving just the sanitary pad.
“We understand the situation with children these days as I myself have youngsters at home.”
She suggested that the government add sanitary pads to the Food Aid provided by Social Welfare Department (JKM) to help hardcore poor and ease their burden.
It could also work with LPPKN to initiate these programmes in schools and teach young ladies from school itself, she said.
“I’m also initiating a programme combined with My Lions Club of Kuching City to reach out to Bario and Mulu/Niah areas next year.
“We need support and volunteers to help us in either sponsoring the sanitary pads or leading us to families who need it.
“Apart from that, we can provide laptops to B40 children, do more women empowerment business opportunities so they can earn while being at home,” she added.
