Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Female Genital Mutilation

FGM is practiced in at least 26 of the 53 African countries. Prevalence varies from 61% in Somalia and 97% in Egypt to 5% in Uganda. According to UNICEF, Somalia has the highest cases of FGM/C in the world, with girls undergoing it between the ages of 5 and 11; but COVID-19 prevention measures are seemingly perpetuating the continuation of the practice. The extreme act of violence is still legal in the country. A survey from International Plan in Feb 2021 indicates that 61% of respondents believe FGM has increased because of the pandemic. Few health professionals in high income countries know that there are 4 different types of FGM/C and even fewer were able to identify those 4 types. The Spanish study was an exception as 85% of O&G and 55% of pediatricians awere able to identify the 4 types of FGM/C. Knowledge of the 4 types of FGM/C was also poor among respondents surveyed in Africa, However, most respondents knew of the type of FGM most commonly practiced in their local area e.g. 76% of health professionals knew of type II of FGM/C which is usually performed in their countries.