A partnership between a local public health unit and schools to end female genital mutilation

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a violation of human rights and has immediate and long-term health impacts. Our public health unit is in Amadora, one of the regions in Portugal with the highest prevalence of FGM in immigrant communities. Recognising the importance of education and of early-life interventions in changing beliefs, we partnered with local schools, a non-governmental organisation and child protection services. We developed a book with information and resources for teachers and created a training package for school professionals. This comprehensive school intervention focused on two aspects. First, it focused on prevention, as we trained school professionals, provided risk score indicators and defined actions to take. Second, in health promotion as we compiled ideas and resources on how to approach this subject in classes while debating sexual health, gender inequality, human rights and cultural heritages. From November 2018 to February 2019 we collected inputs by all partners and tested the instruments in a pilot school with a mixed-methods approach through questionnaires and a focus group. The book was distributed to all schools in Amadora, to other public health units and institutions. The preliminary evaluation was done by a questionnaire where 72.7% of the respondents found it useful and addressing the key topics and 54.5% found it detailed enough. These results are preliminary, with further evaluation planned for September 2019 and June 2020 to understand both the experience and needs of teachers after implementing the project. This project has led to schools showing interest in developing closer cooperation in this and in other health topics. To our knowledge, this is the first school intervention by a public health team focusing on FGM in Portugal. Other countries have materials on FGM for teachers, however we believe our intervention was the first tailored to a local community and in close collaboration with local schools and institutions. Key messages There is potential for a closer collaboration with schools to try to end female genital mutilation and to address other health topics. Local public health units should establish and mobilise local networks of institutions and community partners to tackle complex public health problems.