In settings with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM), the health sector could play a bigger role in the prevention and care of women and girls who have undergone this harmful practice. However, ministries of health lack clear policies, strategic plans or dedicated funding to implement anti-FGM interventions. Along with limited relevant knowledge and skills to prevent the practice of FGM and care for girls and women living with FGM, health providers have limited interpersonal communication skills and self-efficacy, while some may have supportive attitudes towards FGM and its medicalization. We propose to test the effectiveness of a health system-strengthening intervention that includes training antenatal care (ANC) providers on person-centred communication (PCC) for FGM prevention.
