International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February 2023

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve injury, partial or total removal of the female genitalia. It is most usually carried out on young girls, but also occasionally on adult women. FGM confers 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 2023 focuses on partnership with men and boys to transform social and gender norms to end FGM.

• In 2023, 4.3 million girls around the world are at risk of having FGM performed.
• 200 million women and girls alive today have had FGM performed.
  
• The UN estimates that as a consequence of 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 towards FGM becoming medicalised and being performed by a qualified health-care provider.

Advice for Healthcare Practitioners

Travel health professionals may, during the travel consultation process, develop concerns 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