FGS: Addressing the Unmet Needs of Women and Girls in Africa Through FGS Integration
A policy brief on Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected disease affecting up to 56 million women and girls, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected disease affecting up to 56 million women and girls, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It can cause serious sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues and significantly increases the risk of HIV and HPV infections. Despite the urgency, many healthcare providers and communities have limited awareness of FGS.
This policy brief calls on stakeholders to take action and address the key gaps identified by countries to better support affected women and girls by:
- Ensuring health financing mechanisms include funding to integrate FGS care into existing health services.
- Developing policy, technical, and clinical guidelines on FGS and its integration into SRH services, while providing technical assistance where needed.
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Tags
Adolescent girls and young womenFGSFIGHIV preventionSexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)