Across Nigeria, Uganda and Botswana, a new booklet is rewriting the health education playbook for girls. The UNESCO-Peking University project launched the Ai Xiaoya handbook – translated as For Her Health – to fill gaps in girls' health knowledge and spark conversations on gender awareness in classrooms and communities.
Developed by public health experts from the Chinese mainland and global partners, For Her Health covers essential topics from menstrual hygiene to mental well-being. The illustrated manual breaks down myths, offers practical tips and invites readers to reflect on healthy relationships and self-care – turning complex information into an accessible guide.
In Nigeria, educators have integrated the handbook into school clubs, prompting open discussions on puberty and nutrition. In Uganda, community leaders report that the guide has inspired local youth groups to organize peer-led health sessions. Meanwhile, in Botswana, the manual is fostering collaboration between teachers and health workers to ensure girls feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.
Professor Ma Yinghua of the School of Public Health at Peking University, who leads the initiative, explains that the project goes beyond simply distributing a booklet. She says the goal is to strengthen existing education systems by equipping teachers and community volunteers with tools to guide meaningful conversations and track progress over time.
By blending data-driven insights with culturally sensitive content, the project is already shaping a new generation of informed young women. As For Her Health reaches more schools across the continent, the initiative offers a blueprint for scalable, gender-focused health education – one that could be adapted for communities far beyond Africa.
Reference(s):
China shares expertise with Africa to promote girls' health education
cgtn.com
