The World Health Organization (WHO) is ringing alarm bells in The Gambia as the country’s parliament considers repealing the law that prohibits female genital mutilation. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, has strongly cautioned against this move, emphasizing the significant risks it poses to the health and well-being of millions of women and girls.
“Repealing the Act would not only violate the protection of women and girls’ human rights but could also encourage other countries to disregard their duty to protect these rights,”
stated Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, underscoring the gravity of the situation. This stark warning highlights the global efforts aimed at eradicating FGM while acknowledging that over 3 million girls and women are still vulnerable to this harmful practice annually.
“If our efforts to prevent FGM are not scaled up, this number is expected to rise to 4.6 million girls by the year 2030,”
emphasized Dr. Moeti, painting a concerning picture of future trends if preventive measures are not reinforced.
In monetary terms, The Gambia already spends an estimated US$4.5 million each year on treating complications arising from FGM, a figure representing more than 10% of government health expenditure in 2021. These financial implications underscore not just a health crisis but also an economic burden that must be addressed decisively.
“We have made good progress in many countries regarding FGM over the past few decades,”
noted Dr. Moeti optimistically, pointing out that there has been a positive shift from 1 in 2 girls undergoing FGM thirty years ago to now standing at 1 in 3 girls facing this ordeal today.
However, she stressed that despite advancements, there is no room for complacency when it comes to safeguarding women’s rights and well-being.
As reported by Africa Health Times, Dr. Moeti highlighted how millions of Gambian women and girls have benefited from protective services linked to FGM since the enactment of crucial legislation in 2015.
The proposed bill aiming to revoke these protections stands contrary not only to international human rights conventions but also challenges The Gambia’s obligations under these agreements.
“While I acknowledge cultural sensitivities around FGM, we must recognize the physical and psychological damage it inflicts on girls and women,”
emphasized Dr. Moeti passionately.
This plea underscores a critical truth: protecting young females from harmful practices like FGM isn’t just about respecting cultural traditions; it’s about ensuring their fundamental right to lead healthy lives free from unnecessary harm.
“Medicalized FGM violates medical ethics…and undermines abandonment efforts,”
warned Dr. Moeti firmly against any attempts at legitimizing such practices through medical channels.
She called upon all stakeholders – political leaders, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and community leaders – urging them collectively take tangible actions towards changing societal mindsets perpetuating FGM within Gambian communities.
By uniting forces across various sectors and advocating vocally for enhanced legal frameworks safeguarding women’s rights comprehensively,
Dr.Moeti believes that a future devoid of threats posed by FGM can be achieved if concerted efforts are sustained across all levels of society.
Attribution:
Source: www.africahealthtimes.com
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