International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Female genital mutilation (FGM) should no longer take place in Gambia, officials have insisted.

According to the Gambia Committee on Traditional Harmful Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Girls (Gamcotrap), the person who undergoes the procedure can experience many health issues as a result, the Daily Observer reports.

Dr Isatou Touray, executive director of the group, has therefore called for the practice to stop.

She noted that progress has been made in some parts of the country in the last few years.

However, Dr Touray said further steps forward could depend largely on raising awareness of how FGM can affect the health of women and girls.

The World Health Organization does not believe the procedure has any medical benefits for females and can in fact lead to various health problems in the future.

For instance, it said FGM has been linked to urinary issues, infertility and an increased risk of complications during childbirth.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie