Female Genital Mutilation : Psychological and Reproductive Health Consequences. The Case of Kayoro Traditional Area in Ghana

The study examined the reproductive health and psychological effects of female genital mutilation; in one traditional area in the Upper East region (i.e. Kayoro Traditional Area) of Ghana. The results of the study revealed that; the practice of FGM actually affects the physical (deforming the female genitalia); psychological (the mental torture due to pain experienced during the circumcision and also the fear of the unknown which includes medical examination which will involve touching of the genitalia as well as sexual intercourse); and the reproductive health consequences ranging from various forms; including immediate complications such as bleeding; sepsis; and to later complications such as child birth complications and even death. Recommendations were made to the public; policy makers and NGOs with the aim of reducing and if possible eradicate the practice

Helping victims of violence in Uganda

We report on a project to assist victims of war and violence in Uganda. The original aim of this project; set up by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture; was to establish a centre for the assessment and treatment of torture victims who had suffered during previous regimes in the country. We found; however; that a specialist centre was not the most appropriate response in a country like Uganda. We argue for the need to respect local initiatives and systems of support; this is against the notion that there is a single model of care which is universally relevant. Following much investigation and involvement with local personnel; we have developed a programme of training and discussion for health workers; and a service to reach the many women who ahve suffered rape; and whose suffering has continued largely ignored