Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2-25-2020

Abstract

Globally, over 200 million women have been cut and are living with FGM/C-related consequences. In Africa, an estimated 27 million, 24 million, and 20 million girls/women have undergone FGM/C in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Nigeria respectively, the countries with the highest prevalence of FGM/C on the continent. In Nigeria, although the practice is considered widespread, national surveys suggest a gradual decline of FGM/C prevalence among women aged 15–49 years from 30 percent in 2008 to 20 percent in 2018. While these statistics suggest progress, the prevalence is still as high as 67 percent in some states. Nigeria’s National Strategic Health Development Plan Framework highlighted the need to strengthen the health system to cater to an increasing population served by scarce skilled health professionals. Findings from this study show that the level of readiness of the health facilities to handle FGM/C-related complications is low as evidenced by poor infrastructure, lack of equipment, and limited human capacity. Improving the health system response in the prevention and management of FGM/C complications requires focused funding, political leadership, and better stakeholder coordination.

DOI

10.31899/rh11.1042

Language

English

Project

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

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