Female genital cutting, higher risk of HIV – Medical Directors

Dr Chito Nwana, the Chairperson, Guild of Medical Directors, FCT chapter, has warned that the use of unsterilised equipment for female genital mutilation could lead to HIV and AIDS.

Nwana said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday Abuja to commemorate the International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
According to her, FGM is a procedure performed especially as a cultural rite that typically includes the total or partial excision of the female external genitalia.
“FGM should be totally discouraged by those parts of country still practicing due to cultural beliefs.
“The cutting of genital tissues with the same surgical instrument without sterilisation could increase the risk for transmission of HIV between girls who undergo female genital mutilation together,” Nwana warned.
She said there was also an increased risk of adverse health outcomes with increased severity of FGM.
Nwana said FGM violates the rights of women and girls to health, protection and even life as the procedure sometimes results in death.
“Long term health risks include chronic pain, reproductive tract infections, birth complications and psychological consequences.
“An increased risk for bleeding during intercourse may increase the risk for HIV transmission.
“The increased prevalence of herpes in women subjected to FGM may also increase the risk for HIV infection, as genital herpes is a risk factor in the transmission of HIV,” she said.
The chairperson however called for consistent awareness in parts of the country practising FGM and risks associated with it.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is a UN campaign held on Feb. 6 annually to stop genital mutilation on girls and women.
Various activities and events are held each year to promote the UN’s campaign to raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of FGM. (NAN)