["Protect the next generation": promote the end of female genital mutilation in the Kayes health district in Mali].

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is not just a public health problem, but a violation of the human rights of girls and women. Equilibres & Populations and AMSOPT are developing a pilot project designed to promote abandonment of FGM in the Kayes health district by demonstrating that social change is possible and reproducible. The strategy is based on the organized diffusion of change among communities linked by marital ties. The communication process is based on promotion of health and human rights. The project collaborates with political and social actors so that they can take charge of the ongoing changes. The project also works in France with migrants from villages involved in these interventions because they also have an important role to play. Evaluation of the results showed that 80 of the 250 villages of the district declared abandonment of FGM. A positive debate is emerging in the communities, but messages must be repeated. The response of the health system has been reinforced, as 1328 women received medical care for complications of excision. The project now needs to be further developed in order to achieve its goals. Although the search for funding has been an obstacle, the acquisition of pluriannual funds will provide greater flexibility in management of the project. Beyond abandonment of FSM, the project also wants to reinforce the status and health of women and give them the possibilities to defend their rights.