The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has launched a fresh campaign to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by training healthcare workers across the state on prevention, advocacy, and survivor support.
The one-day capacity-building programme, held in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers of Health, Health Educators, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from all 33 local government areas of the state.
According to the Oyo State Government, the initiative is part of broader efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices and strengthen the protection of women and girls.
Oyo Reaffirms Commitment to Ending FGM
Speaking during the training, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Muideen Olatunji, represented by Director of Special Duties, Abiodun Akeem Akande, described FGM as a dangerous and outdated practice that must be eradicated through sustained awareness and stronger community engagement.
He stressed the critical role of primary healthcare workers in driving behavioural change at the grassroots level, urging participants to become frontline advocates against the practice in their communities.
“The training is designed to equip health workers with the tools needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cases of FGM and other forms of gender-based violence,” he said.
Health Risks and Human Rights Concerns Highlighted
During the session, Programme Officer Bilikis Olawoyin delivered presentations on the causes, prevalence, consequences, and emerging trends of FGM in Oyo State.
She noted that the practice—often wrongly referred to as female circumcision—has no medical benefits and exposes women and girls to severe physical, emotional, and psychological complications.
Olawoyin also highlighted cultural myths, social pressure, and misconceptions that continue to sustain the practice, calling for collective action to end it permanently.
Participants were trained on referral pathways for survivors of FGM and gender-based violence, with emphasis placed on access to medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.
Community Awareness Drive Intensified
As part of the initiative, health educators received Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, identification jackets, and reporting booklets to support awareness campaigns and field documentation.
The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the total abandonment of FGM across the state.
According to the World Health Organization, Female Genital Mutilation involves procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons and can lead to severe bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, and increased risk of newborn deaths.
The training concluded with renewed calls for stronger grassroots advocacy to protect girls and promote safer, healthier communities across Oyo State.
