Sharing best practices to end Female Genital Mutilations (FGM)
Between May 21st to 23rd, 2026, staff from St. Mary Hospital - Dubbo, Ethiopia, attended the Anti-FGM Conference organized by Missio Austria and the Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna.
Dr. Tsion Asfaw (left), the hospital Medical director, and Ms. Alemtsehay Leulseged (right), Community Outreach and School Health focal person joined the event to present the achievements of the hospital’s School Health and Community Outreach Programs.
During the conference, Dr. Tsion presented the clinical and public health background of FGM and its consequences, while Ms. Alemtsehay presented the best practices and achievements of the hospital’s community outreach initiatives.
The conference brought together participants from all regions of Ethiopia and from diverse professional backgrounds, including legal experts, pastoral and religious leaders, youth advocates, healthcare professionals, educators, community representatives, and policy makers.
“It was truly inspiring to witness such a multidisciplinary commitment toward ending FGM and protecting the health, dignity, and rights of women and girls.”
The work of the hospital was highly appreciated for successfully integrating FGM prevention and awareness into both hospital and community health education programs.
Since FGM was set as a key priority for action in the Holy Spirit Region in 2023, St. Mary Hospital integrated anti-FGM interventions into its existing community health program, which has now grown into a meaningful model of community engagement and health education.