Gambiaj.com – (BRAZZAVILLE) – The World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has expressed deep concern over recent efforts to repeal the law banning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia. Dr. Moeti highlighted the severe impact of FGM on the health and well-being of women and girls, not only in The Gambia but also across the globe.

Dr. Moeti emphasized that FGM has no health benefits and can cause serious harm, including poor wound healing, mental health issues, and various obstetric complications. Despite global efforts to eradicate the practice, more than 3 million girls and women are still at risk of undergoing FGM every year, with the number expected to rise if prevention efforts are not scaled up.

The Gambia has made significant progress in addressing FGM, with millions of women and girls receiving protection and care services since the enactment of the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act. However, the recent introduction of a private member bill aimed at repealing the Act could reverse these gains and put the health and well-being of women and girls at risk.

Dr. Moeti called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to take concrete actions to change societal attitudes that perpetuate FGM. She emphasized the importance of advocating for the health and rights of women and girls, as well as ensuring that necessary resources are allocated to support them.

In conclusion, Dr. Moeti reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting a zero-tolerance approach for FGM and called on health workers to advocate against the practice. She emphasized that by working together, we can create a future where every woman and girl is free from the threat of FGM.