Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a complex human rights and public health issue. To date, no data from the Swiss hospitals are available on how many women and girls are affected by FGM/C and which practices, knowledge and attitudes are common among Swiss health care professionals. This multicentre cross-sectional study, co-funded by the Federal Office of Public Health and Caritas, is conducted by the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and supported by the Swiss Network against Female Genital Cutting, Swiss Hospitals for Equity and the World Health Organization. The results will improve the available information on the distribution of women and girls that have undergone or are at risk of FGM/C in the Swiss hospitals as well as on the current capacities and attitudes of caregivers in dealing with them (e.g. care, communication, management of health consequences of the practice and prevention/protection). By identifying urgency, specific health care needs and practices, this research will help inform education of health professionals, prevention campaigns, child protection/safeguard strategies as well as political decision making.
