Multisectoral approach to address Female Genital Mutilation: a case study from Portugal

Abstract Issue Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that injury female organs for non-medical reasons, with several health impacts. Due to global migration, FGM has been increasingly recognised as a healthcare issue in Europe, affecting nearly 1 million women. In Portugal it is estimated 5483 migrant women have undergone the Lisbon region. Intervention required tackle this issue. Description launched “Healthy Practices: End of FGM”, multiagency project targeting and Tagus Valley Project implementation started Nov 2018 at 5 local public units (PHU) was scaled-up more Feb 2020. 3 main axes: 1) inclusion policy instruments; 2) professionals’ education awareness; 3) community intervention. We describe policy, professionals training changes recording before after Results Between 2018-2022, municipalities’ migration policies doubled. 2019-2021, 110 sessions (n = 1722 professionals) were promoted. During pandemic years, only 344 (2020) 202 (2021) trained. Raising awareness empowerment risk communities happened mainly through local/online open sessions, workshops, flyer distribution, video projections. These occurred 10 PHU, mostly partnerships Non-Governmental Organizations municipalities. According Portuguese Health Records, until there 300 registered FGM. 363 added. Lessons The multisectoral approach allowed PHU collaborate directly external organizations from different society sectors. COVID-19 posed challenge implementation, especially intervention axis. Notification numbers increased interventions, though causality could not be established impact evaluation yet performed. Key messages • Multisectoral projects specific challenges, including how justify evaluate them, must considered each setting. Training might increase identification notification FGM, but preventing reality still largely unknown.