Pretoria - A R55 million project will be launched in the North West to supply free sanitary towels to needy pupils over the next year.
North West Premier Thandi Modise together with Provincial Health MEC, Dr Magome Masike will on Friday launch the ground breaking initiative for provision of sanitary towels to needy learners across provincial schools.
The province has resolved to meet the needs of learners whom for socio economic reasons are unable to take appropriate care during their menstrual period. Over 93 000 learners are expected to benefit from the R5.5 million initiative to be run over a 12 months period.
"During menstrual period most of them absent themselves from school and some often make use of unhygienic material that predisposes them to infection. The continued use of such unhygienic materials may consequently affect their fertility during adulthood hence the initiative," said provincial health department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane.
The event will be held in Lekgopung Primary School, outside Zeerust.
During the State of the Nation Address in February, President Jacob Zuma said government will broaden the scope of reproductive health rights and provide services related to amongst others, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy and sanitary towels for the indigent.
