UNFPA, NGO train Osun healthcare students on FGM prevention

A non-governmental organization, Action Health Incorporated, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised a 3-day training for healthcare students in Osun State.

The training, organised in collaboration with the Osun State Government was focused on teaching the students about integrative approaches to the prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Speaking during the 3rd day of the training program, a Consultant Gynecologist at the Osun State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Dr Nurudeen Bello, urged the state government to enforce the law banning Female Genital Mutilation.

He noted that until the law is fully enforced, those engaging in the circumcision of female children might not desist totally.

Bello, who delivered a lecture on the ‘clinical care of patients with Female Genital Mutilation,’ noted women who went through circumcision developed lots of complications.

“Some of these women who were circumcised developed immediate, intermediate, and long-term complications. Some of the complications include infertility, delivery issues, and mental health issues.

“The issue of FGM started a long time ago, and the government and the FGM champions have been doing a lot to reduce the prevalence, and we are seeing the result.

“However, the government needs to ensure the enforcement of the laws that guide against Female Genital Mutilation. It is only when these laws are enforced, and people get punished for engaging in the act that things will change,” he said.

The Director of Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Akeem Bello, while addressing participants, harped on the need for health practitioners to adhere to the ethics of their profession.

“There is no health benefit in Genital Mutilation and it should be discouraged completely. We as health practitioners should be the advocates for total elimination of Genital Mutilation in our society.

“We must make our patients our friends and treat them with dignity. Health practitioners must adhere to ethics and make sure whatever they are doing conforms with the laid down guidelines. You must ensure that you don’t do anything against your client’s wish,” Bello said.

Speaking with newsmen after the training program, UNFPA Gender/FGM Analyst Uzoma Ayodeji said the training was to strengthen the healthcare system’s response to FGM.

She said, “This 3-day training for medical and paramedical students aimed to strengthen the healthcare system’s response to FGM. Through this support, UNFPA demonstrated its commitment to ending FGM and promoting the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls.

“By investing in the capacity of healthcare providers, we are helping to ensure that survivors of FGM receive the care and support they need and that future generations are protected from this harmful practice.”

On her part, the Programme Officer, Action Health Incorporated, Fatimah Idris, said the training was a first of its kind in Osun State.

“This is a first of its kind in Osun, and we’ve decided to train healthcare students on integrative approaches to FGM prevention.

“We are hopeful that after this program, the students would have a broader knowledge of FGM practice and its implications and can be advocates against the harmful practice, ” she stated.

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