FGM cases in Osun drop by 30% in 3 years – State Health Ministry

The prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, in Osun state has reduced from 77.6 percent to 45.9 percent in three years as reflected in the record of the National Demographic Health Survey. 

Vanguard reports that the statistics was revealed by the Coordinator, Sexual Health Reproductive, Osun State Ministry of Health, Mrs Toyin Adelowokan, while briefing journalists in Osogbo.

She said the Ministry in collaboration with Hacey Health Initiative have, in the last three years embarked on intensive campaign against the practice tagged, “Stop the Cut”.

According to her, “the record of the National Demographic Health Survey released in 2018, cases of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, has reduced drastically from 77.6 percent to 45.9 percent. 

“This is as a result of the advocacy embarked upon by the Ministry, Hacey Health Initiative and other stakeholders against the menace. We are optimistic that by the time the statics for this year is released the state would have further improve in its ratings.

“The survey is conducted every five years and we believe that due to many effort put in place, the percentage prevalence of the menace would have further reduce”.

She added that a referral centre, known as Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SARC, has been activated at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo for victims that are sexually abused.

Meanwhile, the Director, Commercial and Legal Drafting, in the State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Kayode Titiloye said the ministry offers free legal services for residents of the state, who suffer from any type of gender-based violence, including Female Genital Mutations, (FGM).

Speaking, the programme Manager of Hacey Health Initiative, Oluwatomi Olunuga said that the Health Initiative commenced the ‘stop cut’ project three years ago with stakeholders in the state as regard the protection of the women and girls on FGM.

Olunuga said that the Initiative has worked with the House of assembly, community leaders, some Non governmental organisations and traditional rulers to ensure people are aware of the effects of FGM in the state.