Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Child,Early or Forced Marriages in Kenya,Uganda,Ethiopia and Senegal (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Esho,T.,Matanda,D.J.,Abuya,T. et al
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The authors examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected FGM/C and CEFM in Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, and Ethiopia.
Study Population: Women and men aged 15–49 years,programme implementers and policymakers
Findings: Results In Kenya,the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the increase in both FGM/C and CEFM cases. Minimal increase of FGM/C cases was reported in Uganda and a significant increase in CEFM cases. In Ethiopia,the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited effect on changes in FGM/C and CEFM. In Senegal,there were minimal effects of COVID-19 on the number of FGM/C and CEFM cases. The pandemic has negatively affected implementation of interventions by the justice and legal system,the health system,and civil societies. Conclusions The pandemic has had varied effects on FGM/C and CEFM across the four countries. Across the four countries,the pandemic has negatively affected implementation of interventions by the various sectors that are responsible for preventing and responding to FGM/C and CEFM. This calls for innovative approaches in intervening in the various communities to ensure that women and girls at risk of FGM/C and CEFM or in need of services are reached during the pandemic. Evidence on how effective alternative approaches such as the use of call centres,radio talk shows and the use of local champions as part of risk communication in preventing and responding to FGM/C and CEFM amid COVID-19 is urgently required.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa,Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya,Uganda,Ethiopia,Senegal