Appendix II

WHO classification of FGM

Type I -   Often referred to as Sunna or Circumcision  involves excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or all the clitoris

Type II -  Often referred to as Clitoridectomy or Excision. This involves excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora

Type III - Often referred to as Pharaonic or Infibulation. This involves excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening

Type IV - Unclassified. This involves pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia; stretching of the clitoris and/or labia; cauterization by burning of the clitoris and surrounding  tissue; scraping of tissue surrounding the vaginal orifice or cutting of the vagina; introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina to cause bleeding or for the purposes of tightening or narrowing it; and any other procedure that falls under the definition of female genital mutilation given above.                                                                     

*Source: WHO (1998) Female Genital Mutilation: An overview Geneva: World Health Organisation