Estimating the number of women with female genital mutilation in Belgium.

Objective: To estimate the number of women with female genital mutilation (FGM) living in Belgium, the number of girls at risk, and the target population of medical and social services (MSSs) concerned.

Methods: Data about prevalence of FGM from the most recently published Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys were applied to females living in Belgium who migrated from countries where excision or infibulation are being practised, and to their daughters.

Results: Amongst the 22,840 women and girls living in Belgium who are from a country concerned, 6,260 have 'most probably already undergone a FGM' (women born in the country of origin), and 1,975 are 'at risk' (second generation born in Belgium).