The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the treatment of the health complications of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is estimated to cost health systems $1.4 billion per year.
In a publication to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM celebrated every 6 February, WHO said the costs of treatment are expected to rise unless urgent action is taken towards FGM abandonment.
According to the global body, more than 200 million girls and women alive have undergone FGM in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is practised.
