Three actions that may tackle FGS
Coaching well being employees to diagnose FGS
In line with Olubunmi Babatola, a gynaecologist who was concerned in our analysis in Nigeria, it’s essential to offer coaching in order that well being employees in any respect ranges can recognise the indicators of the illness.
“FGS can simply be identified, and even the least-skilled individuals within the well being care system can diagnose it,” Olubunmi says. “Well being employees must also know that therapy with medicine is out there.”
Integrating testing into different well being programmes
We have to enhance the variety of girls and ladies who’re being examined for FGS. Top-of-the-line methods to do that is by together with FGS testing alongside different types of therapy.
Adesugba Abigeal, a well being employee in Nigeria, instructed us: “it’s essential to combine FGS screening when treating different ailments equivalent to HIV, and the human papilloma virus (HPV).”
“It’s additionally essential to mix FGS with different programmes occurring within the well being centres, equivalent to household planning and well being training. […] When girls take their kids to the hospital, we will check them and know whether or not they have the illness.”
Our analysis has indicated different ways in which well being methods may take a extra joined-up method. Many nations are already working large-scale programmes to deal with schistosomiasis, but these are usually centered on stopping kids from contracting the illness. Our research means that these programmes may additionally act as a platform for elevating consciousness of FGS.
Bettering water, sanitation and hygiene
Girls and ladies usually contract the parasite that causes FGS after coming in touch with contaminated floor water. The illness will be deadly if left untreated for a protracted time frame. We’d like governments and worldwide NGOs to work collectively to offer clear water and sanitation amenities for communities affected by the illness, in order to cut back their contact with infested water.
We additionally want to teach individuals in these communities about why they shouldn’t drink from, bathe in, or wash garments in sure dangerous water sources.