Study of the effectiveness of training Malian social and health agents in female genital cutting issues and in educating their clients

This report documents findings of a study to assess the education and training of social and healthcare workers in Mali regarding female genital cutting (FGC). After two decades of campaigning against FGC in Mali, the results are not satisfactory when compared to the levels of human and financial investment. The Mali Division of Family and Community Health, with technical support from the Population Council, conducted this research to highlight certain issues related to the practice of FGC in Mali, in particular health consequences and the role health personnel can play in eradicating the practice. The continued prevalence of FGC among dominant ethnic groups and the risk of its spreading to minority ethnic groups which do not traditionally circumcise females justify the continuation and extension of the campaign. Future research avenues, such as ways to improve IEC tools and training in health facilities, and improving outreach programs particularly among youths, should be explored