Women's Health West launched the manual's second edition in Footscray on Monday.

Reem Omarit, a WHW family and reproductive rights education program worker, said the manual was for health and service providers who worked with African women affected by female genital mutilation (FGM).

More than a third of the humanitarian arrivals settling in Victoria are African and a significant number settle in the western suburbs.

"Mama and Nunu will help health and service providers offer responsive and culturally appropriate services by strengthening their knowledge and understanding of African women's diverse backgrounds, needs and expectations," Ms Omarit said.

"We wrote Mama and Nunu in consultation with newly arrived African women by adding topics that respond to the shifting migration and settlement trends of African women living in the west of Melbourne."

The manual explains the multiple and complex reasons for FGM and outlines the illegal status of some practice in Australia. It also explores the differences in health care between Africa and Australia and highlights the importance of confidentiality, interpreters and flexibility.

Copies are available from www.whwest.org.au