ACERS UK Project – Testimonials Requested

We recently heard about the ACERS UK project, aiming to bring reconstruction surgery to the NHS. They have good news. The NIHR, the research arm of the NHS, are considering funding a research project examining the effectiveness of FGM reconstruction surgery.

They want testimonials from women who want reconstruction – explaining why they think research into this topic is important to them. 

They also want testimonials from other FGM survivors who have had this surgery already, or any clinical staff or charity workers who have experience working with FGM survivors.

If you or your colleagues can give a testimonial, please copy the questions below and email directly to Neil Henderson at [email protected]

It would be great to make sure that they have a wide range of views from all over the country, so we’d welcome all network members to consider contributing your views and sharing with others you know who they would like to hear from. 

DEADLINE 2 September 2025

1. Do you think it is important to fund
   this research into FGM reconstruction surgery?
2. Do you agree that these are the most important study outcomes:- Quality of life; sexual dysfunction; pain; acceptability of surgery; body image; cost effectiveness (which aspects of your condition may change as a result of the research? which outcomes are important to you and should be examined by the research?. Please let us know if you think anything else needs to be looked at as part of the research.)
3. Please provide any other information or comments you think would be helpful, including your personal experiences if you are an FGM survivor. (Use this section to add any views or issues that we should bear in mind in relation to the suggested research. For instance, would you take part in this research? If not, why not? How would you feel? Can you see any benefits or risks if you were a participant in this research?)

Any questions, please ask Juliet Albert, [email protected]