The Abass Ndao Hospital held a press conference dedicated to providing free care for survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM), including reconstructive surgery, medical follow-up, and psychosocial support. This initiative was presented as a health, humane, and ethical response to a practice that persists despite being formally prohibited by Senegalese law.

In Senegal, female genital mutilation has been criminalized since Law No. 99-05 of January 29, 1999, amending the Penal Code. Article 299 bis provides for prison sentences of six months to five years for anyone who violates the integrity of the female genital organs, whether through total or partial removal, infibulation, or any other means. The penalty is increased when the act is committed or facilitated by a healthcare worker and can extend to life imprisonment with hard labor when the mutilation results in death.

Despite this strict legal framework, FGM remains a reality for many women and girls, with serious physical, psychological and social consequences.

Free and holistic care

Faced with this situation, the Abass Ndao hospital center has put in place a program of free care for victims, including in particular reconstructive surgery for the after-effects of FGM, gynecological and obstetrical follow-up as well as confidential psychosocial support.

According to hospital officials, this initiative aims to improve access to care for survivors, break the silence surrounding this harmful practice, and contribute to its total eradication.

The press conference provided an opportunity to present the services available, the expected results and the multi-sectoral efforts deployed to ensure dignified and respectful care for victims.

In the wake of this, Professor Demba Diédhiou, director of the Abass Ndao hospital center, officially launched the activities of the 3rd edition of the Surgical Repair Program for FGM.

"These activities will take place from February 2nd to 6th at the maternity ward of the Abass Ndao hospital, in partnership with the Public Assistance, hospitals of Marseille," he said.

He specified that this initiative benefits from the support of many strategic partners, including the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, the Directorate of Maternal and Child Health, the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, the World Health Organization, UN Women, UNICEF, INFP and the Dakar City Hall.

According to him, free care will be provided by an international team of specialists from Marseille, alongside Senegalese professionals from several disciplines, including gynecology-obstetrics, urology, general surgery and resuscitation.

"The treatment is not limited to surgery. It also encompasses medical and, above all, psychosocial aspects," insisted Professor Diédhiou.

Medical training and scientific symposium

Beyond surgical procedures, this third edition also emphasizes capacity building for healthcare professionals. Continuing medical education activities are planned, covering psychosocial support, ultrasound assessment, and the maintenance of biomedical equipment.

These activities will conclude with a scientific symposium planned at the Radisson Hotel (formerly Nova), on the theme "Management of female genital mutilation: from prevention to repair".

An integrated and sustainable approach

For Professor Anna Sarr, head of the Internal Medicine Department and chair of the scientific committee for the event, the distinctive feature of this third edition lies in its integrated approach. "In addition to surgical activities, we have set up workshops on ultrasound, psychosexual therapy, and medical equipment maintenance," she explained.

She also announced the organization of a symposium bringing together nearly 200 participants, including practitioners, representatives of the ministries concerned, UN agencies and civil society organizations engaged in the fight against FGM.

"The focus will be not only on treatment, but also on prevention. How can we act effectively at the community, school and women's association levels to definitively eradicate this practice?" she stressed.

Towards a regional reference center

With renewed commitment from national and international partners, the Abass Ndao Hospital aims to become a regional center of excellence in the treatment of female genital mutilation. Beyond the one-week campaign, hospital officials assure that all women registered in the program will receive long-term medical and psychosocial support, with the goal of sustainably improving their genital, psychological, and overall health.

Through this initiative, the Abass Ndao hospital center reaffirms that the fight against female genital mutilation is not only a matter of law, but also an imperative of public health, human dignity and social justice.