Long-term consequences of FGM include recurrent bladder and urinary-tract infections, infertility, cysts and an increased risk of childbirth complications and newborn deaths, according to the WHO.
In northern Kenya, circumcisers use implements including knives, sharpened sticks, razor blades and thorns, according to Abdundi. Stitching of the wounds involves the use of twine made from tree bark.
After arriving in Garissa, the girls are transferred by 4×4 vehicles to sites operated by a network of traditional circumcisers at villages including Dadajibula, Welmerer and Amuma, who charge about $200 per circumcision and about $300 for accommodation, according to Abdi.
Girls Subdued
In the village of Dadajibula, Dubey Sankader, 80, operates from a temporary shelter made of sticks, wood and leaves. Sankader says she uses a support team of 10 women to help hold down the girls as the procedure is carried out.
“It’s painful and most of them faint in the middle of the rite, while others make loud noises and cries, but they are subdued by my permanent staff,” she said.
Once circumcised, the girls legs are initially tied together and a herbal remedy known as Malmal is used as an antibiotic and a pain-killer to help accelerate the recovery.
“Circumcised girls stay for one month before being allowed to move out of the facilities and the village with their parents who shower them with gifts, praise and building their confidence,” Sankader said.
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