Narok County hosted a delegation from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) to evaluate the progress and sustainability of a project aimed at eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the county. The discussions involved key stakeholders, including Narok County health officials, academic leaders, and healthcare professionals, all working to ensure the continued success of the initiative.
During the visit, the Narok County Health Director highlighted the severe consequences of FGM in the county. He noted that excessive bleeding during childbirth has led to the loss of many mothers. Additionally, the county ranks among the top five in teenage pregnancies, a situation exacerbated by FGM, as many young girls become mothers shortly after undergoing the harmful practice.
A significant challenge identified is the medicalization of FGM, where trained health practitioners perform the procedure under the guise of safety. The Health Director emphasized that such practices must be curbed to protect the well-being of young girls. He expressed confidence that the ongoing project would greatly benefit the community in efforts to end FGM, noting that over a three quarter of young girls in Narok County have already been subjected to the practice.
Prof. George Osanjo, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, commended the initiative, particularly the model health facility that has been instrumental in the fight against FGM. He praised its role in equipping students with hands-on skills and community service experience, benefiting not only Narok County but also students from other universities. Prof. Osanjo extended his gratitude to the funders and urged them to recruit more personnel to bolster these ongoing efforts.
Prof. Patrick Ndavi from the African Coordinating Centre for the Abandonment of FGM (ACCAF) reiterated the importance of integrating FGM-related education into all healthcare services. He highlighted that over 4,000 students have been trained on FGM countrywide, yet only 45 have had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience at the model health facility. He emphasized the need for all students to witness and understand the realities of FGM to better combat the issue in their future medical careers.
The discussions also centered around ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. Prof. Ndavi expressed optimism that the model health facility would continue to be a benchmark for other institutions and communities seeking to eradicate FGM. He called for increased efforts to maintain and expand the program so that it remains a vital resource for the county and beyond.
The FCDO delegation acknowledged the project’s impact and pledged to explore ways to support its sustainability. The visit underscored the importance of continued collaboration between international partners, academic institutions, and local health authorities to ensure that the fight against FGM remains effective and far-reaching.
Narok County remains committed to ending FGM, and with the sustained support of stakeholders, the community is hopeful for a future where all girls can grow up free from the dangers of this harmful practice.