Transformer la santé des femmes grâce à la science, à l’action et à la collaboration.Ensemble avec les communautés, les chercheurs, les professionnels de la santé et les décideurs politiques, WINGS-4-FGS trouve des moyens de détecter et de traiter efficacement la maladie négligée qu’est la schistosomiase génitale féminine (SGF) et redonne aux femmes et aux filles la santé et la dignité qu’elles méritent.Découvrez notre histoire
Transformer la santé des femmes grâce à la science, à l’action et à la collaboration.Ensemble avec les communautés, les chercheurs, les professionnels de la santé et les décideurs politiques, WINGS-4-FGS trouve des moyens de détecter et de traiter efficacement la maladie négligée qu’est la schistosomiase génitale féminine (SGF) et redonne aux femmes et aux filles la santé et la dignité qu’elles méritent.Découvrez notre histoire
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Breaking the Silence: Advancing Care for Women Affected by Female Genital Schistosomiasis in Ghana

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) remains one of the most overlooked public health challenges affecting women and girls across Ghana’s Volta Basin. Often underdiagnosed and poorly understood, the condition continues to affect quality of life while remaining largely unnoticed within routine healthcare systems.

In response, a team from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), under the WINGS-4-FGS project, conducted a stakeholder engagement visit to the Asuogyaman District on 1 April 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with local health authorities and align project activities with district priorities.

Delivering an overview of the project, Site Principal Investigator Margaret Gyapong emphasized that WINGS-4-FGS is designed as a sustainable initiative to be integrated into existing health systems. She noted that despite years of research on schistosomiasis, FGS remains neglected in community awareness, training, diagnosis, and treatment, with limited prevalence data available along the Volta Basin.

A key feature of the project is its woman centred diagnostic approach. Recognizing the discomfort and stigma associated with gynaecological examinations, the project introduces self sampling as an initial step, allowing women to provide samples in a more private and accessible way. In addition, the project is exploring improved treatment options and strengthening patient care, supported by targeted communication materials, awareness efforts, and capacity building for healthcare providers.

The project places strong emphasis on community engagement. Initial activities will assess knowledge gaps and involve community members, teachers, and healthcare workers in designing interventions to improve awareness and understanding of FGS. The Asuogyaman District, selected due to its high prevalence, provides a critical setting for this work, with some communities recording prevalence levels exceeding 90 percent.

Beyond diagnosis and awareness, the project focuses on integrating FGS management into existing sexual and reproductive health services. This approach aims to improve early detection, reduce stigma, and expand access to care within routine service delivery.

The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss implementation considerations, including data availability, sampling approaches, and the use of community health facilities such as CHPS compounds to support field activities. The collaboration between the project team and district stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to addressing the health needs of affected communities.

The WINGS-4-FGS project represents an important step toward improving the health and well being of women and girls affected by a long neglected condition.