By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), on Friday launched the National Policy on female genital mutilation (FGM), national protocol on management of complications of FGM in the country.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, at the Launching in Abuja, also presented the Revised National Policy and National Protocol on management of Survivors of FGM to the Public.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that FGM is defined by the World Health Organisation as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”.
It can leave women and girls traumatised as well as in severe pain, cause difficulties in child birth, and in some rare cases it can lead to death.
Ehanire said that both guidelines are expected to provide up to date, evidence informed recommendations on the management of health complications from FGM.
The minister added that the Revised National Policy and Plan of Action for Elimination of FGM and the developed National Protocol on the Management of Survivors of FGM is a response to the constitutional protection of human rights of women and girls and its obligations under international law.
“It is interesting to note that, the Government of Nigeria has recognized FGM as a discriminatory practice requiring policy intervention since 2002, when the first national policy was developed.
“Although significant milestones have been recorded since its implementation, including the enactment of the legislation, Nigeria still faces some challenges in the elimination of this practice throughout the country.
“Hence, it became imperative that the policy be reviewed and developed to fill in the gaps and provide the basis for actions which will further drive the implementation of interventions,” he noted.
He added that these National guidelines on the management of survivors of FGM are to provide up-to-date, evidence-informed recommendations on the management of health complications from FGM.
“These guidelines will be useful to Frontline health-care professionals, health-care managers, policy-makers and others in charge of planning,” he added.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Health, Sen. Adeleke Mamora, represented by Director, Family Health Department, FMOH, Dr Salma Kolo, expressed optimism that the documents when implemented would eliminate the trend of FGM as well as manage complications that may arise in the country.
Mamora said that the documents would provide policy direction for all stakeholders in the reproductive maternal, and adolescent health service delivery space as well as address pertinent issues relating to gender and rights of women and girls.
He added that the implementation of these key documents would contribute towards achieving the set targets of eliminating the practice of FMG and managing the complications of those who have been mutilated in the country, in order to improve the health and quality of life of girls and women.
Quality journalism costs money. Today, we’re asking that you support us to do more. Support our work by sending in your donations.
The donation can be made directly into NatureNews Account below
