THE WHO'S GAME-CHANGING GUIDELINES AGAINST FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

IN A significant move to combat the widespread practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new guidelines aimed at preventing this harmful custom and providing better care for survivors.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

As the global community targets the abandonment of FGM by 2030, urgent measures are needed to address the concerning trend of the “medicalisation” of this traditional practice, which sees health workers performing these dangerous procedures.

According to research by the WHO, over 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in regions where the practice is prevalent, with more than 4 million girls at risk each year, many of whom are cut before they reach 15.

The ramifications of FGM extend beyond the immediate dangers; it poses numerous long-term health risks that can affect physical, mental and sexual well-being.

More importantly, it represents a gross violation of the rights of children, as it is often carried out without consent.

Dr Pascale Allotey, the WHO's director for sexual and reproductive health and research, stresses the essential part the health industry plays in ending FGM.

She states that "Female genital mutilation is a serious breach of girls' rights and significantly jeopardises their health."