Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA
“…tell your boss, the Regional Medical Officer (RMO) of Mara Region, that whenever he travels outside the Region he should remember to inform us as well, people like Mwanakwetu, because we are the real foot soldiers—and foot soldiers are often very unlucky; we matter even more than the owner himself/herself.”
This was a discussion between Mwanakwetu and Ms. Adventina Chacha, the clerk to the Regional Medical Officer of Mara Region, early on February 6, 2026, when Mwanakwetu went to see the Regional Medical Officer of Mara Region, Dr. Zabron Masatu.
“…When the RMO travels, he informs the Regional Administrative Secretary; then all Heads of Departments and Units are informed, and the person acting in that position is also announced. Since you are not a Head of a Department or Unit, that document does not reach you. But if you want to see the acting officer, tell me and I will direct you to them…”
Mwanakwetu agreed, while telling Ms. Adventina Chacha that there should be a notice posted on the noticeboard stating that the RMO of Mara is away and indicating where he is, so that we unlucky foot soldiers can also be aware.
Mwanakwetu laughed loudly and then bade farewell to Ms. Adventina Chacha as he was leaving. Right there, he was informed that on February 5, 2026, he had been notified about three dozen books that had been received, and was also told that there were another two dozen books from the Ministry of Health of Tanzania, namely:
“Menstrual Health and Hygiene Facilities and Menstrual Health and Hygiene Products and Materials.both of which are Tool Kits, Edition 1, 2025.”
While still in the office of the RMO of Mara Region, Dr. Masatu, Mwanakwetu opened the second book, which had a hard cover with a picture showing three girls—one a student and the other two her peers—jumping rope, while nearby there was an adult man, a father, watching the activity.
This book was titled Menstrual Health and Hygiene Products and Materials. Mwanakwetu immediately opened the table of contents and was greatly drawn to Module Three, where the word sanitary pad was the main agenda.
The book explained that a sanitary pad can be cloth, fabric, a cup, or a special soft plastic used by a woman or a mature girl to protect herself during menstruation.
“There are several types of sanitary pads, such as those that are used once and then disposed of, those that are reusable and washed, those that are cup-like, and those that are like tampons.”
These were explanations given by Ms. Flowina Muuzaji, a Vaccination Coordinator at the Office of the Regional Commissioner of Mara, as she explained to Mwanakwetu these four types of sanitary pads.
“Most commonly known sanitary pads are the disposable ones that are burned after use by girls and women during menstruation. These are the ones widely available in ordinary shops, pharmacies, and even hospitals. We believe this type of sanitary pad is safe because it has been approved by the Food, Nutrition, and Medical Devices Authority.”
Suddenly, as this education was reaching Mwanakwetu, a woman known as Hellena Mligwa entered. She is an office attendant—a very gentle woman. She greeted everyone and then asked for what she had come for. After that, she was asked, ‘Hellena, are you familiar with reusable sanitary pads?’ Ms. Hellena replied as follows:
“These are very good sanitary pads because buying disposable pads at a cost of between 2,000 and 5,000 shillings—who can afford that in poor settings? These are special cloths that are well sewn, with sponge-like material that absorbs well. They are good for students and even for areas with large groups of girls and women. Their only challenge is that they require constant cleanliness.”
This discussion was very good, and Leah Daniel, the Coordinator of Reproductive and Child Health Services, added the following:
“There is another type
of sanitary pad that comes in the form of a cup, made of soft plastic, which is
inserted in the appropriate place. The woman then protects herself well during
her menstruation, and whenever it becomes full, she removes it, empties it, cleans
it, and reinserts it until the menstruation period is completed.
This is also a sanitary pad whose cost is affordable once purchased, but
cleanliness must always be observed.”
My reader, remember that Mwanakwetu is at the Health Department of the Office of the Mara Regional Secretariat, where this discussion on sanitary pads is ongoing.
Suddenly, Dr. Magreth Shaku entered and asked, So, Mwanakwetu has come again today? Her colleagues replied, Yes, Mwanakwetu is here, fully loaded like a rice granary in Kyela.
Right there, the office attendant Ms. Hellena Mlingwa asked Dr. Shaku to explain the fourth type of sanitary pad.
First, Dr. Shaku asked which types had already been mentioned. After being answered, she gave the following explanation:
“There is another type of sanitary pad that is like a tampon, which is inserted into the vagina. Some call them tampons. When inside, it fits well and absorbs everything that comes out. This type is often used by athletes, women doing demanding jobs—whether in combat, the military, and even women leaders—because anything can happen at any time.”
Dr. Shaku continued explaining this type of sanitary pad and added:
“I remember that at one time Tanzania received health assistance from China, and the Chinese brought this type of sanitary pad. Currently, I am not sure if they are available in shops for individual use, but I know that they must be available in hospitals.”
The discussion ended there. Mwanakwetu then returned to his office, where he decided to put this entire discussion into this article that you are reading, my reader.
Mwanakwet, Are you There?
Remember:
“We Foot Soldiers Are Unlucky.”
I wish you a good day.
makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717649257
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