Around 100 million women have been circumcised and it is estimated that two million a year undergo the process which is potentially fatal. The aim of the process is to ensure the woman is faithful to her future husband. Some communities consider girls 'unclean' and unmarriageable if they have not been circumcised. Girls as young as three undergo the process, but the age at which the operation is performed varies according to country and culture. Unsanitary Health workers say that the operation is often carried out in unsanitary conditions with no anaesthetic and can lead to serious infections.
Some girls die as a result of haemorraging, septicemia and shock.
Ntanira Na Mugambo could reduce female circumcision It can also lead to long-term urinary and reproductive problems. Due to health campaigns, female circumcision has been falling in some countries in the last decade. Several governments have introduced legislation to ensure the process is only carried out in hospitals by trained doctors. Originally piloted in one community in 1996, it has now extended to 13. Health workers claim its success is due to its whole community approach to the issue.