WHO DECLARES WAR ON “MEDICALIZED” FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: NEW GUIDELINES TO PROTECT MILLIONS OF GIRLS
In a groundbreaking move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued urgent new recommendations to combat the alarming rise of health professionals performing female genital mutilation (FGM) – a practice now affecting 1 in 4 victims (52 million girls/women) globally.
THE SHOCKING TRUTH:
Medicalization Backfire: Trained health workers now perform 25% of FGM cases – often causing worse injuries through “professional” techniques
Hidden Crisis: 4 million girls remain at risk annually despite 3x reduction since 1990
Double Betrayal: When doctors perform FGM, it falsely legitimizes this human rights violation
WHO’S 4-PRONGED SOLUTION:
Zero Tolerance Policy: Strict bans on health workers performing FGM
Doctor-Led Prevention: Training medical professionals as community educators
Survivor-Centered Care: New clinical standards for physical/mental health support
Whole-Society Approach: Engaging men/boys through awareness campaigns
Success Stories Prove Change is Possible:
✓ Burkina Faso – 50% reduction
✓ Ethiopia – 30% decline
✓ Sierra Leone – 35% drop
“This isn’t medicine – it’s malpractice violating girls’ bodies and futures,” states Dr. Pascale Allotey, WHO’s SRH Director. “Every health worker must become a protector, not perpetrator.”
Critical Next Steps:
Governments must enforce bans
Medical schools need anti-FGM training
Communities require alternative rites programs
The Bottom Line:
With 1 girl cut every 8 seconds, WHO’s guidelines provide the roadmap to end this 5,000-year-old practice in our lifetime. The question is: Will the world act fast enough?
No comment