The Nigerian Medical Association has called for an end to child marriage and stronger protection of the rights of the girl child, warning that early marriage exposes girls to serious health, educational and social challenges. The NMA made the call during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja. Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration is “End Child Marriage and Invest in the Rights of Girls.” The National Chairperson of the NMA Committee on Gender Equity and Sexuality, Dr. Rosemary Uzowulu said early marriage exposes girls to serious medical complications, including obstetric fistula. She explained that girls who become sexually active and pregnant at an early age may suffer injuries because their bodies are not yet fully developed for childbirth. Dr. Rosemary also warned that child marriage deprives girls of education and exposes them to mental health challenges, poverty and increased risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth. She called on the Federal, State and Local Governments to ensure the effective implementation of the Child Rights Act, stressing that more advocacy and public awareness are needed to protect vulnerable girls. Also speaking, Dr Vanessa Ihegbu, the secretary NMA Committee on Gender Equity and Sexuality, said access to menstrual hygiene products is also critical to keeping girls in school.Dr. Ihegbu noted that girls who cannot afford sanitary pads may miss school during menstruation, which could affect their academic performance and increase their vulnerability to child marriage. She added that poor menstrual hygiene could also expose girls to infections, including urinary tract infections. She therefore called for the establishment of dignity hubs in underserved communities to ensure girls have continuous access to sanitary pads, health information and other essential support. The medical experts urged governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to sustain advocacy and interventions aimed at protecting the health, education and rights of the girl child.