The epidemiology of female genital mutilations.

Abstract

A survey of the epidemiology of female genital mutilations in the Sudan Egypt Ethiopia Kenya Ivory Coast Upper Volta Senegal Somalia Nigeria Sierra Leone and Mali is reported. The 2 types of operations are: 1) excision and clitoridectomy and 2) infibulation or pharaonic circumcision. Basic mortality and morbidity figures in each country (including background on the populations) its economics family and community information its literacy and health are necessary. Until such basic facts are available and the dangers to health become known the claim that this type of practice no longer exists and if it does only in isolated areas cannot be factually refuted and therefore preventive measures are often ignored. The concealment of genital mutilation has permitted the practice to spread all over Africa. Prevention should be a part of all health education maternal and child health family planning and preventive care programs in Africa.