The Addis Ababa Declaration to end infant oral mutilation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Medicine
• Global Health

Background:

• Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a harmful practice with significant health consequences.
• A conference convened in 2019 brought together key dental leaders from across Africa.
• The need for a coordinated continental response to IOM was identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To launch a public health action program aimed at eradicating infant oral mutilation.
• To establish a framework for continental collaboration on IOM prevention and intervention.
• To outline strategies for impacting over 100 million people within five years.

Main Methods:

• Convening of the inaugural End Infant Oral Mutilation Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Participation of chief dental officers from Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
• Development and adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration.

Main Results:

• The Addis Ababa Declaration was established as a commitment to end infant oral mutilation.
• A continent-wide public health action program was initiated.
• The program has a target to impact over 100 million individuals.

Conclusions:

• The Addis Ababa Declaration represents a significant step towards the elimination of infant oral mutilation in Africa.
• A coordinated, multi-country public health approach is crucial for addressing harmful traditional practices.
• The established action program has the potential for substantial public health impact across the African continent.