Ghana's Girls’ Iron-Folate Tablet Supplementation (GIFTS) Programme Boosts Girls' Health

Wednesdays at Choggu Yapalisi MA junior high school in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital of Ghana, are anything but ordinary for the form 3 Junior High School girls. As the clock strikes 9 a.m., a wave of excitement sweeps through the classroom as their math teacher, Zuweira, enters. Zuweira is more than just a math instructor; she's a beloved figure among students, known for her academic prowess and her role in a vital health initiative.

Every Wednesday, the school transforms into a health clinic of sorts, as Zuweira oversees the distribution of combined Iron and folic acid tablets (IFA) to the female students. This weekly ritual is a cornerstone of a program designed to address the unique health challenges faced by adolescent girls, particularly anemia, which can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and, in severe cases, long-term health complications.

Zuweira has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the IFA supplements on her students. "I've seen a remarkable improvement in their overall health, especially when it comes to their periods," she shares with a smile. "In the past, many girls would miss school due to menstrual pain, but now they're able to attend classes regularly and concentrate better in class."

A significant factor for the absenteeism was the lack of adequate WASH facilities in the school, which negatively impacted the girls during their menstruation period, without access to clean private restrooms, many girls resorted to unhygienic practices, leading to infections and other health complications, this also opened stigma and embarrassment in schools for the girls. However, since this initiative, the story has changed for the girls.

The program's popularity extends beyond the school walls. "Some girls even ask if they can share the tablets with their siblings who aren't enrolled," Zuweira explains.

Mashud Nuratu Tunteya, a 15-year-old student, is one of the many beneficiaries of the program. "Before I started taking these tablets, my periods were weighty," she recalls.

Tunteya is passionate about encouraging her classmates and students from other schools to prioritize their health by taking supplements.

The road to implementing this initiative wasn't always smooth. Zuweira faced initial skepticism from students and teachers, who questioned why only girls received the tablets. Some even accused the program of gender discrimination. "It was a challenging time," Zuweira admits. But through education and open dialogue, we could address their concerns and gain their support."

Tunteya's parents also had reservations at first, believing the tablets were a form of family planning medication. However, after learning about her friends' positive experiences, Tunteya's parents agreed to meet with Zuweira to discuss the program in detail. Now, her father regularly checks in to ensure she's taking the tablets, recognizing their positive impact on her health and studies.

A Dose of Health, A Future Shaped

Launched in 2017, the Girls' Iron-Folate Tablet Supplementation (GIFTS) program is led by the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service, with funding and technical support from UNICEF, US CDC, Canada, Norway, WHO and KOICA. The GIFTS program aims to reduce the high rate of anemia among adolescent girls and women of childbearing age and improve female health, with an overall goal of contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality.

For the girls of Choggu Yapalisi, the iron-folic acid supplements are more than just a routine; they represent a commitment to their health, education, and future. As Zuweira and her students gather each Wednesday to distribute tablets, they celebrate a program that is empowering girls and shaping their lives for the better.