In 2026 alone, an estimated 4.5 million girls, many under the age of five, remain at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). “We need to build on this momentum and speed up progress to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending female genital mutilation by 2030. “Every dollar invested in ending female genital mutilation yields a tenfold return. Funding cuts and declining international investment in health, education and child protection programmes are already constraining efforts to prevent female genital mutilation and support survivors. “Furthermore, the growing systematic pushback against efforts to end female genital mutilation, compounded by dangerous arguments that it is acceptable when carried out by doctors or health workers, adds further hurdles to elimination efforts.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 06, 2026 18:30 UTC