Although the health sector in the world plays a key role in stopping the abusive MGF practice and the support of survivors, in several regions, the evidence suggests the opposite.
In 2020, around 52 million girls and women were subjected to MGFs in the hands of health workers – about one in four cases.
“”Health agents must be agents of change rather than authors of this harmful practice“Said Dr. Pascale Allotey, director of health and sexual and reproductive research.
She insisted that the Cup is a “serious violation of the rights of girls” which criticizes their health critically.
Evidence has shown that MGFs cause damage, it does not matter who executes it – but it can be more dangerous when carried out by health workers, because “medical” procedures can lead to more serious injuries, which warned in a statement on Monday.
As part of continuous efforts to completely interrupt the practice, the United Nations agency has published new directives urging greater action from doctors, governments and local communities.
Retired Egg
The cut – which encompasses any procedure which eliminates or hurts parts of the female genitals for non -medical reasons – also requires high quality medical care for those who suffer from its effects, which says.
Since 1990, the probability of a girl undergoing genital mutilation has tripledbut 30 countries still practice it, putting four million girls each year in danger.
MGFs can lead to short and long -term health problems, mental health problems with obstetric risks and sometimes the need for surgical repairs.
The newly published guidelines of which also suggest means to improve care for survivors at different stages of their lives.
‘Opinion leaders’
Ending the practice is in the field of possible – and some countries are heading in this direction, said the United Nations Health Agency.
“”Research shows that health workers can be influential leaders in the modification of attitudes with regard to MGFs and play a crucial role in its prevention“Said Christina Pallitto, the main author of the study in Scientist of WHO and the Human Reproduction Program (HRP).
“The commitment of doctors, nurses and midwives should be a key element in the prevention and response of MGFs, while countries seek to put an end to practice and protect the health of women and girls,” she said.
Relaxable efforts to stop MGF have led countries, including Burkina Faso, to reduce rates between 15 to 19, 50% in the past three decades.
Likewise, the prevalence fell 35% in Sierra Leone and 30% in Ethiopia – thanks to the action and the political will to enforce prohibitions and accelerate prevention.
The WHO in 2022 has published a set of training on prevention for healthcare agents in primary care, to underline the risks of practice and equip them to engage with sensitivity of communities, while taking into account local culture and perspectives.
“Due to this training, I am now able to make women aware [of FGM] And persuade them of … disadvantages, “said a health worker when launching.
