Combating female genital mutilation in Northeast (Horn) Africa and its challenges

BACKGROUND: This article investigates the practice of female genital mutilation as a long-held custom in the countries of Northeast Africa, known as Horn of Africa, where many women in rural and urban areas are faced with different physical and psychic consequences in their future lives. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of FGM in the Horn of Africa and the traditional thinking of People about it. METHODS: This study was based on descriptive analysis method. The questions of the study are (a) Why female circumcision is widely practiced in Horn of Africa; (b) What are the mental and physical consequences of female genital mutilation for the women; and (c) How regional and international entities, whether governmental or NGOs, are combating this tradition. RESULTS: This article has found out that female genital mutilation in Northeast African countries has resulted in many lifelong diseases and sexual degradation in many women and the best way to combat this tradition is to inform people by gradual (not abrupt) trainings without any insult to the beliefs of the people. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the Health education based on behavioral change. In doing so, the unity of policies between regional and international actors along with attracting the support of tribal elites is also needed.