Three actions that may deal with FGS
Coaching well being staff to diagnose FGS
In accordance with Olubunmi Babatola, a gynaecologist who was concerned in our analysis in Nigeria, it’s necessary to supply coaching in order that well being staff in any respect ranges can recognise the indicators of the illness.
“FGS can simply be identified, and even the least-skilled folks within the well being care system can diagnose it,” Olubunmi says. “Well being staff must also know that therapy with medicine is obtainable.”
Integrating testing into different well being programmes
We have to improve the variety of girls and ladies who’re being examined for FGS. Among the finest 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 necessary to combine FGS screening when treating different illnesses equivalent to HIV, and the human papilloma virus (HPV).”
“It’s additionally necessary to mix FGS with different programmes occurring within the well being centres, equivalent to household planning and well being schooling. […] When girls take their youngsters to the hospital, we will take a look at them and know whether or not they have the illness.”
Our analysis has indicated different ways in which well being methods might take a extra joined-up method. Many international locations are already operating large-scale programmes to sort out schistosomiasis, but these are sometimes targeted on stopping youngsters from contracting the illness. Our research means that these programmes might additionally act as a platform for elevating consciousness of FGS.
Enhancing water, sanitation and hygiene
Girls and ladies sometimes contract the parasite that causes FGS after coming involved 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 supply clear water and sanitation amenities for communities affected by the illness, in order to scale back their contact with infested water.
We additionally want to coach folks in these communities about why they shouldn’t drink from, bathe in, or wash garments in sure dangerous water sources.