article · African Journal of Reproductive Health
Female genital mutilation involves the non-medical alteration of female genitalia and remains prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa. While prevalence has shown some reduction, likely driven by growing knowledge regarding the health hazards of non-sterile cutting techniques, the practice persists. Documented complications of the procedure are well established and include chronic genitourinary disorders. Furthermore, there is biological plausibility indicating that the practice could be linked to the transmission and increasing prevalence of HIV in the region. Existing epidemiological data connecting the procedure directly to HIV seropositivity remains limited. Dedicated research is required to evaluate this relationship more rigorously and determine the exact extent to which the procedure facilitates HIV transmission.
Understanding the health consequences of female genital mutilation is critical for regional public health policy in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying biological plausibility for HIV transmission through non-sterile cutting highlights an under-researched pathway that could influence epidemic control efforts. Clarifying this link through targeted investigation can guide healthcare interventions, preventative education, and reproductive health strategies across affected communities.
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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which involves alteration of the female genitalia for non-medical grounds is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, associated with long-term genitourinary complications, and possible HIV transmission. This mini-review aims to examine FGM and the possibility of HIV transmission through this procedure. We performed an electronic search using Medline for articles published between 1966 to 2006 for evidence of FGM practice, its complications, and the nexus between this procedure and HIV sero-positivity. The results indicate ongoing FGM practice, albeit prevalence reduction, due probably to the increasing knowledge of the consequences of FGM as a result of non-sterile techniques. Secondly, the complications of FGM are well established which include Genitourinary disorders. Further, while data is limited on HIV transmission via FGM, there is biologic plausibility in suggesting that FGM may be associated with increasing prevalence of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper recommends further studies in order to assess the association between FGM and HIV transmission.
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DOI: 10.2307/30032486
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