WHO guidelines on the management of health complications from female genital mutilation (2016)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released Guidelines addressed to healthcare professionals on the management of health complications from female genital mutilation. They aim to improve care for millions of women and girls who have undergone FGM and are facing its health consequences. WHO recognises FGM as a grave violation of human rights which has no health benefits.

The guidelines equip healthcare providers with key recommendations, grouped into four main areas: deinfibulation, mental health, female sexual health, information and education. They also warn against the “medicalization” of FGM – when health-providers themselves perform female genital mutilation.

Read the guidelines, the executive summary (in English, Arabic, French) and a policy brief here.