Top women's health news

Hip-hop artist warns Senegal pupils about FGM

A Senegalese hip-hop artist who underwent female genital mutilation (FGM) during childhood is touring the country's schools to educate teenagers on the dangers of the practice, thanks to a project funded by London-based anti-FGM charity Orchid Project.<

EngenderHealth outlines 'fistula-free generation'

US non-profit organisation EngenderHealth has identified several key steps required to achieve a "fistula-free generation", marking the inaugural International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on May 23rd and calling for the continued support of world governments in eradicating the condition.

UK govt 'very frustrated' by absence of FGM prosecutions

Despite criminalising the practice in 1985, the UK has yet to see a single prosecution for female genital mutilation (FGM) - leaving the government "very frustrated", international development minister Lynne Featherstone has said.

Garment 'saving lives' of mothers in Cambodia

A non-pneumatic anti-shock garment has been successfully deployed in rural health centres in Cambodia, having saved the lives of two mothers since April, the USAID Better Health Services project has said.

Uganda short of MDG 5 target, says UNDP

Uganda's high maternal mortality rate is "causing concern", the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reported, falling short of the nation's Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 target.

May 23rd is International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Designated by the UN General Assembly last year, the inaugural International Day to End Obstetric Fistula will be held on Thursday (May 23rd) and be commemorated with events and campaign launches around the world, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has announced.

Malaysia faces 'big challenge' to meet MDG 5

Despite having massively reduced its maternal mortality rate over the last half-century, Malaysia faces a "big challenge" to meet its UN Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 target, the country's Family Health Development Division director Dr Safurah Jaafar has said.

Ugandan tribes report 40% drop in FGM cases

The number of female genital mutilation (FGM) cases among Uganda's Pokot and Sabiny tribes was successfully reduced by 40 per cent between 2010 and 2012, a new report claims.

14,000 take part in Niger 'public vow' to end FGM

Some 14,000 villagers representing 20 communities have taken part in a ceremonial vow to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced child marriage in Niger.

UK girls in danger as FGM 'cutting season' approaches

School-age girls in London are "already being prepared" to leave the country so that they can undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) during the summer holidays, junior minister for international development Lynne Featherstone has warned.

World Congress 2015