International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

African nations must do more to rid the continent of female genital mutilation, it has been claimed.

Chantal Compoare, the first lady of Burkina Faso, called on all states to co-operate in a bid to speed up the elimination of the practice, AFP reports.

She told delegates at a conference in the nation's capital Ouagadougou that the practice – which is often carried out for cultural or religious reasons – must be outlawed.

Meanwhile, Emma Bonino, the deputy leader of the Italian Senate, requested that the United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution condemning the practice.

The World Health Organization claims that removing – partly or in full – the genitals of the female can cause excessive bleeding, infection, mental trauma and urinary tract problems.

In addition, the practice can lead to complications later in life, especially during childbirth, it says.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie