Frontline community health workers in Oyo State, including Traditional Birth Attendants, Patent Medicine Vendors, and Community Health Workers, have pledged to stop the medicalization of female genital mutilation and work to end the practice. The commitment was made at a one-day orientation in Ibadan, organised by the Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria with support from UNICEF and the Oyo State Government.
Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, urged participants to use their influence in communities to educate, protect, and discourage the harmful act. Programme Manager, Mrs. Mojisola Omotoye, said the training would strengthen prevention strategies, promote referrals for survivors, and address the rise in health workers carrying out the procedure.
Representatives from the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board and the medical community warned of the severe health and legal consequences of FGM, stressing that both involvement and silence attract penalties under the law. Participants ended the event by pledging never to take part in or support the practice.