On October 22nd, 2026, outreach teams from St. Mary Hospital and the Cabrini Ministry Ethiopia joined forces for a vital mission at Afama Mino Primary School. Their goal was to raise awareness and combat the deeply rooted and harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Over two hundred participants, including adolescent girls, male students, and members of the school community, gathered to hear important insights.
St. Mary Hospital and Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia outreach team members with Afamam Mino school teachers
Abyssinia Akalu, FGM Focal Person from Cabrini team, clearly explained the severe health impacts of FGM, including immediate and long-term complications.
Immediate complications include severe pain, excessive bleeding, infection, and urinary retention, while long term-effects include chronic genital pain, reproductive health issues like infertility or birth complications, and psychological impact.
FGM focal person providing health education
Alemtsehay Leulseged, Health Officer and School Project Focal Person from St. Mary Hospital, distributed informative flyers that were prepared in the local language to ensure the message was clear.
The day concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session that allowed the students, especially young girls, to voice their understanding.
Students engaged in Q&A session
Mr. Gemechu Seta, the school director, praised the collaboration and emphasised the importance of continuing this fight to protect the community's future.
Afama Mino school director addressing the particpants