Initiating dialogue on deinfibulation
GAMS Belgium has published, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), an informative video, translated into 9 languages, to inform and reassure people living with female genital mutilation (FGM) of the “infibulation” type, about deinfibulation.
- Why get deinfibulation?
- When to do it?
- How does it work?
- What is the post-operative care?
- What changes can be expected in the body?
Infibulation, or also called type III of FGM according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, is characterized by the narrowing of the vaginal orifice with the creation of a covering seal formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora or the labia majora, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce, with or without excision of the clitoris. This form of FGM can lead to physical or psychological complications for the person who has undergone it. Infections, pain, and difficulties during childbirth are among the most common consequences.
Deinfibulation is a surgical procedure that can reduce these health problems. However, the decision to undergo this procedure must be made the persons concerned with full knowledge of the facts. This objective of this video is to help health care providers inform and raise awareness.
This tool is intended to reassure those concerned by improving their understanding of the intervention and ensuring they follow the treatment plan)
It will also be a quality tool for health care professionals responsible for the management of female genital mutilation.
The video is available in 9 languages: French, Dutch, English, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Fulani, Somali and Afar. Subtitles in French, English, Dutch and German are available. It was produced by Studio Boniato in collaboration with The Ink Link, and created jointly with the women involved and health stakeholders.
