NGOs have tried providing loans to traditional doctors to stop the practice

Despite the ban, the practice has become increasingly prevalent, especially among the Fulani, Mandingo and Fula tribes of southern Casamance province.

Locals have vowed not to stop circumcising their young girls, a practice which they say is deeply rooted in their society.

Efforts to discourage the practice in Senegal through a widespread media campaign have proved almost futile.

A number of local and international non-governmental groups have tried to encourage traditional doctors to discontinue circumcisions by providing small loans to compensate them for lost business.

But to no avail.

It appears that no matter what form of assistance is given, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to stamp out the centuries-old practice.