By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Painful sexual intercourse, Infertility, Urinary/reproductive tract infection, Pelvic inflammatory diseases, increased risk to HIV/AIDS, Painful menstruation, chronic urinary tract obstruction/bladder stones, obstructed labor, bleeding and infection during childbirth, Tumors, excessive growth of scar tissue, Hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases have been identified as health consequences of Female Genital Mutilation.
Dr. Attahir Abubakar, a medical expert with the European Union made this known while making a presentation during a sensitization workshop for some Kaduna-based Journalist on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), organized by EndFGM with support from Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) and WRAPA in Kaduna, North-west Nigeria.
According to Abubakar other severe cases of FGM could possibly lead to Vesico – Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and Recto –Vaginal Fistula (RVF).
He said, FGM otherwise known as female genital circumcision, comprises all surgical procedures involving partial or total removal of the external genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.
According to him, a fact sheet of the World Health Organization (2000) revealed that Nigeria accounts for one quarter of the estimated 115-140 million circumcised women in the world living with the consequences of FGM, with about three million girls annually from Africa.
He further explained that, in the north-western region of Nigeria, Kano has the highest FGM prevalence rate followed by Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto recording the lowest.
He said there is no any justification and benefit for FGM but only subject the woman to lots of risks.
While calling on Nigerians to change their attitudes and beliefs on FGM, the medical expert urged government to show more commitment to ending the menace by enforcing laws that prohibits its practice in the country and embark on sensitization program involving community, religious and traditional leaders.
He also charged the media to continue to enlighten the public on dangers of FGM.
In her remarks, representative of EndFGM in Kaduna, Elizabetheth Anche, said, there are needs to bring FGM practice to the end. She said: “even though it is rooted in our cultures, there is need for more advocacy and public education on its dangers.
“In 2015, the law banning FGM was enacted but because it is deep rooted in our culture; many do not even know that it is there in the law. Until we inform the people, then, they can make an inform decision about it.”
Earlier in her opening remark, AMDF Cordinator, Sekyen Dadik, said the essence of the program was to enlighten Journalists on the practice of FGM in the country so that they can educate the public on its dangers through their various media.
News Editor