WHO issues new recommendations for the end of an increase in “medicalized” maidening female genitals and support for survivors

Emergency measures are needed to reduce the growing “medicalization” of the sacrifice of female genitals (FGM) and to include health workers to prevent practice, according to the new guidance published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Although the health sector plays a key role in stopping the FGM survivors, in several parts of the world, evidence suggesting that healthcare professionals are increasingly being performed. Since 2020, 52 million girls and women have been assessed by FGM's hands – about 1 in 4 cases.

New which Guidelineentitled Prevention of female genitals and clinical complications management, Provides recommendations to prevent practice and ensure the care of survivors based on evidence, covering actions for the health sector, government and the affected community.

“Relating for women's genitals is a serious violation of girls' rights and critically threatening their health,” said Dr. Pascale Allotey, who is the director of sexual and reproductive health and research, and a special program for playing the Human Playing of the United Nations (HP). “The health sector plays a key role in preventing FGM – health workers must be agents for change, not perpetrators of this harmful practice, and also have to provide high quality medical care for those who suffer its effects.”

It is usually carried out on young girls before they reach puberty, FGM involves all procedures that remove or injure parts of female genitals for non -medical reasons. Evidence shows that no matter who does FGM, it causes damage. Some studies suggest that it can be more dangerous when performed by health care workers, as this may result in deeper, stronger cuts. His “medicalization” also risks inadvertently legitimizing practice and thus can threaten wider effort to give up the practice.

For these reasons, who is the new guideline recommends the professional codes of behavior that explicitly prohibit healthcare professionals to perform FGM. Second, recognizing their valued role in communities, emphasizes the need for positive engagement and training of health care workers for prevention. Sensitive communication Approaches can help healthcare workers effectively reject the requirements for FGM, at the same time informing people about his serious immediate and long-term risks.

“The research shows that healthcare professionals can be an influential opinion leader in changing their views on FGM -in playing a key role in its prevention,” said Christina Pallitto, a scientist from the WHO HRP who led the development of new guidelines. “The engagement of doctors, nurses and midwives should be a key element in the prevention and response of FGM, as the countries seek to end the practice and protect the health of women and girls.”

With effective laws and policies, the guideline emphasizes the need for education and information in the community. Community awareness raising activities that include men and boys can be effective in increasing the knowledge of FGM, promoting maiden rights and supporting changes in attitudes.

In addition to prevention, the guideline includes several clinical recommendations to ensure access to empathetic, high quality medical care for the survivors of the FGM. Given the scope and short and long -term health issues It will be a result of practice, survivors may need a number of health services in different stages of life, from mental health care to accusing risks and, as needed, surgical repairs.

Evidence shows that it is possible to end the FGM with the right dedication and support. Countries like Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia have recorded a reduction in prevalence among 15-19-year-olds in the last 30 years by as much as 50%, 35%and 30%, collective action and political commitment to conduct prohibitions and accelerations of prevention.

Since 1990. The likelihood that the girl will undergo genital mutilation has decreased for three times. However, it remains common in about 30 countries in the world, and about 4 million girls are still in danger each year.