WHAT IS IOM?
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Infant Oral Mutilation (IOM) is an alarming traditional practice executed upon young children suffering from diarrhoea and fever. Corresponding swelling on the gums mistaken for ‘tooth worms’.
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Commonly performed in East African countries, it involves the barbaric removal of unerupted canines as the corresponding swelling on the gums are mistaken for ‘tooth worms’.
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This is a highly dangerous and sometimes fatal practice.
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There is blood loss and shock borne from rudimentary surgery that often leads to anemia. Poor infection control after this practice offers an extremely high risk of septicaemia, tetanus and transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Governments and aid organizations are unaware of the dangerous implications.
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It has no health benefits associated.
