Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2-25-2020

Abstract

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a pervasive cultural practice in some contexts, is associated with negative impacts on women’s and girls’ health and rights. The health sector is well positioned to respond to the prevention of FGM/C and the management of its complications because of its primary role in disease prevention, health promotion, and curative services. In Kenya, the health sector’s role is anchored in national and county legal and policy instruments and guidelines that are adopted or customized from global or regional frameworks as well as skills support tools approved by the World Health Organization. This brief highlights findings from a recent study of the health system in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study aimed to examine how the health-care sector supports the prevention of FGM/C; determine the health sector’s role in the management of FGM/C-related complications and the quality of care offered to clients; and identify possible solutions for strengthening the health-care system's capacity to manage and prevent FGM/C.

DOI

10.31899/rh11.1035

Language

English

Project

Evidence to End FGM/C: Research to Help Girls and Women Thrive

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