Sana Pads Limited, a Nigerian menstrual health company, has launched a range of reusable sanitary pads to tackle period poverty and improve access to safe and affordable menstrual products for millions of women and girls across the country. The company was founded in response to the widespread challenge of girls missing school and women missing work due to lack of access to hygienic period products. This issue is a major barrier to education, health, and dignity.
According to estimates, about 50 million women and girls in Nigeria have limited or no access to hygienic period products. Data from the United Nations indicates that one in 10 adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during menstruation, with some losing up to 20 per cent of the academic year. These statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible and affordable menstrual products in Nigeria and across the region.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sana Pads Limited, Mary Sabo Olowoloba, said the company was established to close the gap through locally produced solutions tailored to Nigerian realities. The company deliberately avoided importing products, opting instead to invest in research and local production. This approach has enabled Sana Pads Limited to develop products that meet the specific needs of Nigerian women and girls.
Developing the product came with significant challenges, particularly in sourcing suitable materials that meet both quality standards and environmental conditions. However, after years of development, the company now produces NAFDAC-certified reusable sanitary pads available in light, medium, and heavy flow categories. These pads are made from breathable natural fabrics and are designed to be washable and reusable.
The pads are designed to promote comfort, improve airflow, and offer a more sustainable alternative to disposable products. They do not have plastic top sheets, chemical bleaching, or single-use absorbent gel layers. This eco-friendly design aligns with the company's goal of providing a sustainable solution to period poverty in Nigeria.
Beyond production, Sana Pads Limited is focused on expanding access through community-based distribution channels, including rural sales agents, market networks, supermarkets, and partnerships with local and international organisations. The company aims to keep girls in school, women at work, and restore dignity by providing access to quality menstrual hygiene products.
Olowoloba expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to grow, with the long-term goal of making quality menstrual hygiene products accessible to every woman and girl in Nigeria and across Africa. The company's efforts have the potential to make a significant impact on menstrual health and hygiene in the region, and its progress will be closely watched.
Key points
- Sana Pads Limited has launched a range of reusable sanitary pads to improve access to safe and affordable menstrual products for women and girls in Nigeria.
- The company's products are designed to be eco-friendly, sustainable, and tailored to Nigerian realities.
- Sana Pads Limited aims to expand access to its products through community-based distribution channels and partnerships with local and international organisations.
