BULAWAYO, June 3,2026 (Newsday Live) – The Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) has launched a reusable pads training initiative targeting adolescent girls in Umguza Ward 6 as part of efforts to promote menstrual health management and empower young women with income-generating skills.
Speaking during a National AIDS Council programme in Umguza Ward 6, ZNNP+ Umguza district focal person Thembeni Sithole said the organisation had received sewing machines and materials through support from the Global Fund to train girls in making reusable sanitary pads.
Sithole said 16 mentors had each been allocated three sewing machines and materials to facilitate the training programme.
“Each mentor got three machines from the Global Fund and materials for making reusable pads. We have a programme which has been planned for the girls to be trained in sewing and making their own reusable pads,” said Sithole.
She said the programme would initially target two clubs made up of 25 girls each.
“That means we have got 50 girls who will be trained, but we have also asked from the community so that other girls could come in because the materials are enough for training,” she said.
Keep Reading
- LSU students win innovation prize
- To or not to deduct Aids Levy from VAT in Zim
- Chevrons confident of a good finish
- LSU students win innovation prize
National AIDS Council Bulawayo provincial manager Sinatra Nyathi welcomed the initiative, saying it would help girls gain practical life skills while also creating opportunities for income generation.
“They can make reusable pads for themselves and they can also sell within the community if there is need, so it becomes an income-generating project for them as well,” said Nyathi.
“I am also glad that if they are going to invite other girls who are not in the club, it means the community in general is going to benefit.”