Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a significant public health issue, particularly in countries like Sudan where cultural practices and healthcare intersect. The research article "National and International Programmatic Perspective on Facilitators and Barriers for Sudan’s Health Sector Response on Female Genital Mutilation (2016–2018): A Qualitative Study" provides valuable insights into the challenges and successes of implementing health interventions to combat FGM. This blog post aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by understanding these complexities and encourages further research into effective strategies.
The Scope of FGM in Sudan
In Sudan, approximately 14 million girls and women are affected by FGM, with midwives performing about 77% of these procedures. Since 2016, substantial donor funding has been directed towards developing and implementing comprehensive health programs aimed at reducing midwives' involvement in FGM and improving prevention and care services. The health sector's role has expanded significantly since its inclusion in the "Sudan Free From Female Genital Cutting" (SFFGC) program.
Facilitators in Implementing Health Interventions
The study highlights several facilitators that contributed to the successful implementation of FGM-related health interventions:
- Funding Availability: Long-term funding played a crucial role in involving national non-governmental organizations (NNGOs) and integrating FGM within the Federal Ministry of Health's (FMoH) priority agenda.
- Comprehensive Plans: The integration of FGM-related interventions within existing health packages facilitated broader implementation.
- Evaluation Culture: A strong culture of evaluation and feedback within international organizations ensured accountability and continuous improvement.
Barriers to Effective Implementation
Despite these facilitators, several barriers impeded progress:
- Low Health System Functionality: Limited resources and inadequate coordination among organizations hindered effective implementation.
- Power Asymmetries: Decision-making processes were often dominated by international donors, leading to tensions with national priorities.
- Unsupportive Attitudes: Health workers' attitudes towards FGM were not always supportive of change, affecting intervention outcomes.
Improving Practitioner Skills through Research
Practitioners can enhance their skills by understanding these facilitators and barriers. Engaging with stakeholders, including health professionals, community members, and policymakers, is crucial for developing culturally sensitive interventions. Additionally, practitioners should advocate for policies that support midwives' training and employment, reducing financial incentives for performing FGM.
The Need for Further Research
The study underscores the importance of further research into the impact of stakeholder involvement in stopping FGM medicalization. Understanding how different sectors can collaborate effectively will provide valuable insights into creating sustainable interventions.
A Call to Action
The findings from this study offer a roadmap for practitioners looking to improve their skills in addressing FGM. By leveraging the facilitators identified and addressing the barriers, practitioners can contribute to more effective health interventions. To delve deeper into this topic, practitioners are encouraged to explore the original research paper: National and international programmatic perspective on facilitators and barriers for Sudan’s health sector response on female genital mutilation (2016–2018): a qualitative study.
