Oyo trains medical staff to combat female circumcision practice

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has joined forces with the United Nations Population Fund, through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, to host a one-day capacity-building training aimed at strengthening advocacy for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation across the state.

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This training, which took place at Plaza De Aruna Hotel in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers of Health, Health Educators, and Monitoring and Evaluation Offices from all 33 local government areas of the state to tackle this critical issue.

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A statement released on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, outlined the training as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices and promote the health and rights of women and girls in the state.

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At the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ending FGM in Oyo State, describing it as a harmful and outdated practice that must be eradicated.

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Dr. Olatunji stressed the vital role of primary healthcare workers in driving behavioural change at the grassroots level, urging participants to become active advocates against FGM in their respective communities to bring about meaningful change.

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The training was designed to equip health workers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cases of FGM and other forms of Gender-Based Violence, according to Dr. Olatunji.

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During one of the sessions, the Programme Officer, Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin, delivered a detailed presentation on Female Genital Mutilation, covering its definition, types, prevalence, causes, and consequences, as well as emerging trends within Oyo State.

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Mrs. Olawoyin explained that FGM, often wrongly referred to as female circumcision, has no medical benefits and exposes women and girls to severe physical, psychological, and emotional complications, highlighting the need for collective efforts to end it.

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Participants at the event received training on appropriate referral pathways for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and FGM, with emphasis placed on ensuring victims receive timely medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance where necessary.

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The training also underscored the importance of recognising FGM as both a preventable public health issue and a violation of human rights, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle this complex issue.

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As part of efforts to support community outreach activities, health educators were provided with identification jackets, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, and reporting booklets to aid their fieldwork and documentation.

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The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reiterated its commitment to working closely with development partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure the total abandonment of FGM in the state, underscoring its dedication to this critical cause.

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The training concluded with a renewed call on participants to serve as frontline advocates in the campaign against female genital mutilation and help create a safer and healthier environment for every girl child in Oyo State.

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According to the World Health Organisation, FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, resulting in severe health complications for girls and women.