According to United Nations’ Fund Population Activities, UNFPA, an estimated One Hundred and Forty Million girls and women are been subjected to genital mutilation or cutting with three million girls at the risk of undergoing the practice every year.
Due to the debilitating effects of this act, every 6th February is set aside as International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital mutilation.
The theme for this year is ‘ No Time For Global Inaction, Unite, Fund and Act to End FGM which emphasizes the need for global solution to end the scourge.
In this special report, Our Health Correspondent, Titilayo Kupoliyi examines the Effects of FGM.
World Health Organisation defines female genital mutilation, FGM or cutting as the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
This practice is a deeply rooted tradition in many communities, in twenty eight countries in Africa, some countries in Asia, the Middle East.
What are the effects of FGM on girls and women?
A medical doctor, Adekola Adekunle noted that female genital mutilation or cutting was a violation of human right with numerous health issues like infections, excessive bleeding which might lead to shortage of blood and urinary problems.
Dr. Adekunle advised people to desist from the act to preserve the dignity of the girl child.
What are the perceptions of Nigerians on FGM?
Some residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital condemned the act saying it should be stopped.
Are there psychological effects of FGM?
A clinical Psychologist, Dr. Abiodun Lawal pointed out that the psychological effects of female genital mutilation or cutting were numerous and include shock, sleeplessness, fear and anger.
Dr. Adekunle called for a functional legal framework on FGM to eradicate the act.
Titilayo Kupoliyi
pub-5160901092443552
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