Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C): prevalence and determinant factors, impacts, healthcare, and prevention aspects

This thesis examines female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) as a global public health challenge, determine its prevalence, the social and cultural factors that sustain it, its health impacts, and healthcare responses in both traditionally practising countries and migrant communities. It also explores strategies for eliminating FGM/C. It demonstrates that the practice harms women and girls across the life course, from infancy through adulthood, and limits access to quality healthcare. These findings underscore the need for sustained political commitment, culturally informed prevention strategies, and evidence-based healthcare to safeguard the health, dignity, and rights of women and girls.