New measures to prevent female genital mutilation outlined

A new female genital mutilation (FGM) programme is being launched by the government, with 1.4 billion pounds of funding.

This is the largest ever domestic funding package for combating this issue and is designed to improve the way in which the NHS tackles FGM, while clarifying the role of health professionals in care, protection and prevention.

Measures include the introduction of improved data collection across the NHS to help understand the prevalence of FGM in England, plus improved training packages to help frontline workers to respond appropriately when faced with the problem.

By September this year, all acute hospitals will be compelled to report the number of patients with FGM to the Department of Health on a monthly basis, in accordance with previously-announced plans.

Public health minister Jane Ellison said: "I am immensely proud of the work the government is doing to eradicate this dreadful practice. This will enhance the safeguarding responsibility of the NHS around FGM to care, protect and prevent."

This comes after the government earlier this year issued a declaration to end FGM in the UK, coinciding with the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation event.