While the health sector worldwide plays a key role in stopping the violent practice of FGM and supporting survivors, evidence of other regions suggests other.

From 2020, an estimated 52 million girls and women were exposed to FGM in the hands of health workers – that’s about one in four cases.

“Health workers must be agents of change rather than perpetrators of this harmful practice“Said Dr. Pascale AlloTey, director of sexual and reproductive health and research.

She insisted that cutting is a “serious violation of girls’ rights” that critically jeopardizes their health.

Proof has shown that FGM causes damage, regardless of who performs it – but it can be more dangerous when performed by health workers, as a “medical” procedure can result in more serious wounds warned in a statement Monday.

As part of the ongoing efforts to stop the practice, the UN Agency issued new guidelines that called for greater action from doctors, governments and communities.

FGM in retreat

Cutting-AS includes any procedure that removes or damages parts of the female genitalia of non-medical reasons also requires medical treatment of high quality for those suffering from its effects who say.

Since 1990 the probability of a girl undergoing genital organization isbut 30 countries still practice it and puts four million girls each year at risk.

FGM can lead to short and long -term health issues, from mental health relations to obstetric risks and sometimes the need for surgical repairs.

The recently published guidelines from whom also suggests ways to improve the care of survivors at different stages in their lives.

‘Opinion leaders’

Putting an end to practice is within the possible area – and some countries are heading in that direction, the UN Health Agency said.

“Research shows that health workers can be influential opinion leaders in changing attitudes to FGM and playing a crucial role in its prevention“Said Christina Pallitto, a senior author of the study at Scientist at WHO and The Human Reproduction Program (HRP).

“Engaging doctors, nurses and midwives must be a key element in FGM prevention and response as countries seek to end practice and protect the health of women and girls,” she said.

Tireless efforts to stop FGM have led countries, including Burkina Faso to reduce the rates of 15 to 19-year-olds by 50 percent in the past three decades.

Likewise, the incidence fell by 35 percent in Sierra Leone and 30 percent in Ethiopia – thanks to action and political willingness to enforce ban and accelerate prevention.

In 2022, a prevention education package for Health Workers for Primary Care published to highlight the risk of practice and equip them to engage sensitive with society while entering into local culture and perspectives.

“Because of this training I am now able to increase women’s attention [of FGM] And persuade them about … Disadvantages, “said a health worker during the launch.