Bestmed Medical Scheme and Unjani Clinic donated 1 000 reusable sanitary pad kits to girl learners at Oos Rand C.E.S.OS, strengthening community health, dignity and attendance.
The handover took place on 9 February as part of Bestmed Medical Scheme’s long-standing partnership with Unjani Clinic, established in 2020 to improve access to healthcare services and address period poverty in underserved communities.
Period poverty remains a widespread challenge in South Africa, with millions of girls lacking access to menstrual products, education and adequate hygiene facilities. Research indicates that approximately seven million girls cannot afford or access sanitary products, while nearly 30% of schoolgirls miss school each month due to menstruation. Like many public schools nationwide, Oos Rand C.E.S.OS faces ongoing challenges related to learner welfare and access to basic hygiene essentials.
“Access to sanitary products plays a vital role in both health and self-esteem,” says Lesedi Mmoneng, a nurse at Unjani Clinic. “When girls have what they need to manage their menstrual health, it helps them remain in school and focus on learning without unnecessary stress or embarrassment.”
Each learner received a kit containing three reusable sanitary pads, offering a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution that supports long-term menstrual hygiene. The kits were sponsored by Bestmed as part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) focus on women’s health and preventative care. Unjani Clinic coordinated beneficiary identification and facilitated on-site education sessions on menstrual health, hygiene, drug abuse awareness and substance addiction prevention.
“We believe access to healthcare and basic hygiene should never be a barrier to education,” says Karen Pienaar, Sponsorship and CSI Specialist at Bestmed Medical Scheme. “Through our partnership with Unjani Clinic, we are able to reach communities where access to health services and hygiene products remains limited.”
Since the partnership began, Bestmed has supported the distribution of reusable sanitary pad kits to learners, contributing to improved school attendance and participation in extracurricular activities. Beyond menstrual health initiatives, Bestmed has also invested in mobile healthcare through Unjani Clinic Health Pods, as well as diagnostic and energy infrastructure to strengthen continuity of care.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the impact of collaborative partnerships between healthcare providers and community organisations, improving access to healthcare, supporting education, and strengthening outcomes for communities across South Africa.
