By Shindong Bala
Kaduna State Government has intensified campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention, personal hygiene, menstrual and mental health awareness as part of activities marking the 2026 International Adolescent Health Week.
The Adolescent Desk Officer of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Hajiya Bilkisu Tanimu-Zailani, stated this during an awareness programme organised by UNICEF in collaboration with other development partners at a special school in Kaduna.
Hajiya Zailani explained that the week-long campaign, which began on October 13 and ends on October 19, is aimed at educating adolescents across the state on sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, mental health and gender-based violence.
She said the decision to extend the campaign to children with disabilities was informed by the need to address gaps in health education and ensure that adolescents in special schools were not neglected.
According to her, interactions with the students revealed gaps in their knowledge of menstrual hygiene and mental health, underscoring the need for more targeted awareness programmes.
A Public Health Specialist with Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Amos Kadashi-Isuwa, emphasised the importance of involving children with disabilities in health education and other programmes that affect their well-being.
He noted that the campaign was designed to ensure that children with special needs understood their rights, recognised potential health risks and acquired the knowledge required to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Kadashi-Isuwa also highlighted the mental health challenges faced by adolescents with disabilities, noting that neglect, social isolation and the perception that they are burdens to their families could contribute to depression and other psychological difficulties.
He stressed the need for parents, caregivers and communities to pay greater attention to their emotional well-being and seek professional assistance when necessary.
The Senior Master Welfare of the school, Dr. Joseph Yakubu, commended the initiative, describing it as beneficial to the students.
Dr. Yakubu said the programme had improved the students’ understanding of personal hygiene, HIV/AIDS prevention and the proper use of sanitary pads during menstruation.
He expressed hope that similar awareness campaigns would be sustained and extended to other schools to improve adolescents’ health knowledge and practices.
The event featured health education sessions, a talk show, practical demonstrations on the use of sanitary pads and experience-sharing sessions.
Editing By Godwin Duru
