Menstrual issues reason behind girls leaving school, official says

HEALTH issues, mainly unwanted pregnancies and menstruation issues, have seen a high number of girls in the Nawaeb, Morobe, drop out of school, an official says.
Nawaeb health manager Justin Ruameng said this during a menstrual hygiene management day celebration at Situm Primary School on Friday.
“The attendance rate of girls in schools has dropped because of other sicknesses and menstruation,” he said.
“I thank the European Union, Unicef and World Vision for programmes they are undertaking to address these issues.
“Girls are very bright but such issues affects their learning process.
“It is time we start talking and telling everyone that this is a normal process so that other children can respect girls menstruating.”
Ruameng commended Nawaeb MP Kennedy Wenge for having an open mind on issues affecting young girls in schools and allowing partners such as EU, Unicef and World Vision to fund, develop and implement Wash projects in the district.
Situm Primary School Ursula Tura head teacher said: “Each year one or two female students never return to school for these reasons (i.e menstruation and unwanted pregnancies).
“Over the years, student enrolment has been increasing, with majority of the boys enrolled every year.
“It is good that they (boys) understand what girls go through.”