IRIN Examines Efforts To Ban, Reduce Incidence Of FGM/C In Sierra Leone
“Campaigns to lower the rate of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Sierra Leone are having some impact, but efforts to ban the practice have failed thus far, and despite a push to communicate its health risks, many still believe FGM/C promotes good health and hygiene,” IRIN reports in an article examining political efforts to ban or discourage the practice. In October 2012, eight of the country’s 14 districts signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) criminalizing FGM/C among children, but “[w]hile the new government hails the MOU as a milestone achievement, critics argue that it has not achieved much,” according to the news service, which also examines the impact of health education campaigns. “‘The issue of FGM/C is sensitive. If those advocating against FGM/C win, we will join them later. But if they lose, we will support our people. We cannot afford to lose our ballots because of putting a ban on FGM/C of the girl child,’ said a leading politician from the ruling All People’s Congress party,” IRIN writes (12/17).
The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.