International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February 2022

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve injury, partial or total removal of the female genitalia. It is mostly carried out on young girls and occasionally on adult women. It has no medical benefits and results in both physical and psychological consequences. When FGM is performed on children it is classed as child abuse.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. The aim is to raise awareness and concentrate efforts on eliminating FGM by 2030.  The theme for 2022 focuses on accelerating investment to end FGM.

• The ongoing pandemic has had a negative impact on the UN target of working towards eliminating FGM.
• UN estimates that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be as many as 2 million cases of FGM by 2030 that would have otherwise been prevented.
• The UN is concerned that there is an increasing trend of FGM becoming medicalised and performed by a health-care provider.

Advice for Healthcare Practitioners

Travel health professionals may develop concerns, during the travel consultation process, that a girl is being taken abroad to have FGM performed. All healthcare practitioners need to be vigilant to the possibility of FGM, both for girls living in the UK and for girls who may travel abroad to have the procedure carried out. Local safeguarding guidelines must be followed to protect girls at risk.

See the TRAVAX Female Genital Mutilation page for further information on:

• Types of FGM
• Epidemiology
• Physical and psychological consequences of FGM
• How to identify those at risk of FGM
• What to do if you suspect a girl is at risk of FGM
• Guidance on performing an FGM risk assessment
• How to report a suspected or confirmed case of FGM
• Links to FGM guidance and resources