Researchers push for full integration of female genital schistosomiasis into reproductive health systems

Professor Margaret Gyapong, Scientific Lead of the WINGS-4-FGS project, has called for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) to be fully integrated into reproductive health policies and services to ensure better detection, diagnosis and long-term management for women and girls.

The WINGS-4-FGS initiative, led by a consortium at the Institute of Health and Research (IHR) under the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), seeks to build the capacity of health workers at all levels to recognise and treat FGS, a neglected tropical disease disproportionately affecting women in deprived communities.

Speaking at the project’s three-day kickoff meeting at UHAS, Prof. Gyapong highlighted how research teams were uncovering the true burden of FGS by improving diagnostics, strengthening surveillance, and developing health system pathways that can effectively respond to the disease. She emphasised that FGS has long been misunderstood, under-reported, and often misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection due to its similar symptoms, resulting in stigma and inappropriate treatment.

The project spans Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Rwanda, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a mission to incorporate FGS management into broader Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) strategies while ensuring access to effective treatment.

Prof. Amaya Boustendoui of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine stressed the need for an integrated approach, combining community awareness, innovative diagnostic tools, improved case management and clinical trials in endemic regions. She noted that FGS carries severe reproductive health risks, including infertility, social exclusion, and psychological distress.

The kickoff meeting also outlined expected project outcomes:

• Introduction of new diagnostic tools
• Stronger treatment guidelines
• Expanded community education
• Empowered women and girls
• Better-trained healthcare workers
• Integration of FGS services into national health systems

Dr Maxwell Dalaba, Acting Director of IHR, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to producing cutting-edge research that informs policy and strengthens healthcare delivery. He detailed IHR’s research centres, its ongoing projects, including SAVING and WINGS-4-FGS, and its openness to global partnerships.

UHAS Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Frank Edwin, underscored the importance of the project by recounting a rare autopsy case revealing cardiac schistosomiasis, reinforcing the need for deeper diagnostic investigations beyond genital symptoms.

The meeting reviewed Year One achievements, identified challenges, and aligned consortium members on next steps. The WINGS-4-FGS project is jointly funded by the European Union, EDCTP 3 and the Swiss Confederation, reflecting strong international support toward eliminating FGS as a public health threat.

Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, experts believe the integration of FGS into mainstream reproductive health systems will help reduce morbidity, mortality and stigma, ensuring better health outcomes for women and girls across Africa.