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The World Health Organization has issued new data showing that there are more young women who are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM).
According to a post made by WHO on its official X account on Friday, February 6, 2026, the results show that at least 4.5 million girls will be at risk of FGM in 2026.
The Organization stated that many under the age of five are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation.
“Did you know? This year alone, 4.5 million girls — many under the age of five — are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM is a severe violation of human rights. It causes lifelong physical and emotional harm and robs girls of their health, dignity, and future,” WHO posted on X.
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The WHO warned that if current trends continue, 22.7 million additional girls will be affected by 2030. More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM.
“More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM It is a violation of human rights and has serious, lifelong physical and mental health consequences, with global treatment costs estimated to be at least USD 1.4 billion every year,” WHO stated.
Ending FGM: Progress, Pressure and the Path Forward
Even though there has been a lot of work done in the last few decades to address female genital mutilation, without quicker action, current trends will not be enough to meet global elimination goals.
Furthermore, the gains are brittle. Progress could be slowed or even reversed by funding cuts, dwindling investments in child protection, health, and education, growing opposition to efforts to eradicate FGM, and the growing medicalization of the practice.
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Without sufficient and steady funding, community-based initiatives run the risk of being reduced, health and other services deteriorating and millions more girls being put in danger.
In 2025, the WHO and the HRP released updated, evidence-based guidelines on the prevention and clinical management of female genital mutilation. The guidelines consolidate the latest evidence to support health systems in:
- Preventing FGM, including addressing medicalization and strengthening the role of health workers in abandonment efforts
- Managing health complications associated with FGM across the life course
- Providing survivor-centred, respectful and quality care, including sexual, reproductive and mental health services
- Strengthening health system responses, aligned with human rights and ethical standards.
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WHO post revealing new FGM statistics with over 4M girls at risk. PHOTO/WHO/X