WINGS-4-FGS · (W)Initiative for womeN and GirlS affected by Female Genital Schistosomiasis

WINGS-4-FGS addresses pressing needs for tackling Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) in Africa, with the objective of improving case management and therapeutic access while integrating care into sexual and reproductive health strategies. FGS, a consequence of schistosomiasis caused by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium, affects millions of women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to significant morbidity and reproductive health issues. Current treatment barriers include limited knowledge, associated stigma, a lack of effective treatment, and inadequate diagnostic tools. WINGS-4-FGS proposes a multifaceted, holistic approach and aims to: i) investigate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory medications as add-ons to praziquantel; ii) implement training programs to increase awareness and medical care competency; iii) implement a community-based, two-step, self-sampling diagnostic strategy; iv) assess barriers and facilitators for integrating FGS into existing health services. WINGS-4-FGS aims to generate evidence-based recommendations, enhance local capacity, and engage stakeholders and policymakers to integrate FGS care into African countries’ healthcare systems effectively. Success will lead to improved treatment guidelines and practices that will enable patients and healthcare workers to recognize, diagnose, and treat the disease before symptoms spread, as well as foster affordable local access to treatment and reduce associated stigma. The transdisciplinary consortium brings together 11 renowned partners with expertise in tropical disease research, coming from 3 European (Germany, Switzerland and United Kingdom) and 6 African countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Malawi, where the clinical trials will be conducted, as well as Ghana, Madagascar and Rwanda. WINGS-4-FGS will forge sustainable solutions for future generations of women and girls so they can feel empowered to manage their own reproductive health and overall well-being.