How our research could help more than 50 million women

Female genital schistosomiasis is a devastating disease that is estimated to affect millions of women and girls across Africa. As a researcher at Sightsavers, I’m working to understand how we can provide better care to these women.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is caused by water-borne parasitic worms that infect people as they fetch water, bathe and wash clothes. The parasites burrow through the skin to live in the blood. As they reproduce, their eggs migrate into organs including the uterus, vagina and fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and bleeding.

In areas where these Schistosoma parasites are present, up to 41% of women and girls could be affected by the condition, according to research that we’ve carried out recently in Nigeria.

Women with FGS are three times more likely to get HIV, and may also be more susceptible to cervical cancer. The disease has also been linked to an increased risk of low fertility and life-threatening ectopic pregnancies. The problem is compounded by a lack of knowledge among health workers in many low-income countries. The disease is often misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection, meaning that women can be subjected to isolation and even gender-based violence.

Due to the discomfort and stigma that is associated with FGS, it is not surprising that women with the condition are more likely to suffer from poor mental health. Our research indicates that nearly a third of women with FGS could experience mild or moderate depression after contracting the disease.

FGS is a huge problem, but it’s one that can be solved. We believe that findings from our recent project in Nigeria could help to tackle this disease.

We’ve been speaking to women living with the condition, as well as health workers and gynaecologists who are based in affected communities. This has given us a better understanding of why women are not receiving adequate treatment, and how countries can integrate the management of FGS into their health systems.

We are now able to recommend a set of key improvements that policymakers and health workers can implement at every step of the way, to make a difference for the women affected by FGS. You can find these recommendations listed below.

However, the responsibility for overcoming the disease doesn’t just rest with health workers. We will also need support from international donors, pharmaceutical companies – and even you as the reader of this blog.

You can play a role in raising awareness by using the #FGSchisto hashtag on social media, and by speaking about the condition with family, friends and colleagues.

Author

Omosefe Osinoiki is a research associate at Sightsavers, based in our Nigeria office.