Oyo equips health workers to tackle female genital mutilation

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, has organised a one-day capacity-building training to strengthen advocacy for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation across the state. The training held 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. A statement released on Thursday, issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made available to journalists in Ibadan, said the training formed part of ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices and promote the health and rights of women and girls. Speaking 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. He described FGM as a harmful and outdated practise that must be eradicated through sustained advocacy, community engagement, and strengthened healthcare systems. Olatunji stressed the vital role of primary healthcare workers, aimed at driving behavioural change at the grassroots level, urging participants to become active advocates against FGM in their respective communities. He stated, “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. “The programme will strengthen participants’ capacity to implement interventions and ensure proper referral mechanisms for survivors.” 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. She 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. • Lagos unveils 10-year primary healthcare financing plan • Meningitis outbreak kills 33 in Sokoto • 2027: Adelabu rallies APC ward executives on governorship ambition Olawoyin also highlighted socio-cultural factors sustaining the practice, including myths, misconceptions, and societal pressure while emphasising the need for collective efforts to end it. 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. Participants were encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns and promote behavioural change in their communities to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls. Additionally, the training further underscored the importance of recognising FGM as both a preventable public health issue and a violation of human rights. 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. 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. 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. FGM, according to the World health organisation, 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. It has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, menstrual difficulties, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.