We are proud to announce that Humana People to People officially joined the FGS Integration Group (FIG), a pioneering coalition of organisations that are working to tackle the neglected issue of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). X The main aim of this organisation is to galvanise multi-sectoral action across the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV, HPV/cervical cancer, neglected tropical disease and WASH sectors.
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected disease affect more than 56 million women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa with limited access to safe, clean water. This disease can greatly increase the risk of HIV and cervical cancer and can cause infertility and miscarriage.
FGS is caused by a parasitic infection that is easily treated and preventable. Infection comes from contact with contaminated water, but due to similar symptoms it is often unrecognised and misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection or cervical cancer. Many women and girls with FGS are being given the wrong treatment or undergoing unnecessary clinical procedures for their condition. When misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted disease, this can also lead to stigma, marginalisation, isolation and gender-based violence.
Why Humana People to People Is Joining FIG
Humana People to People is a global network of 29 national member organizations committed to supporting sustainable development in vulnerable communities. Health is central to our mission — especially the health of women and girls. Through community-driven programs focused on HIV, TB, maternal and child health, SRHR, and more, we empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
By joining FIG, we aim to raise awareness of FGS and deepen understanding of its devastating impact on the SRHR of the women and girls our members already work with every day across sub-Saharan Africa. As organisations already embedded in these communities, we are well positioned to support and scale effective, integrated responses.
Our commitment includes mobilising resources, political will, and strategic partnerships to scale up effective interventions. This involves training health professionals across sub-Saharan Africa to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment and supporting the integration of FGS-related services into broader sexual and reproductive health care, as well as into WASH, education, and gender policies and programmes.
Together with our coalition partners — including Frontline AIDS, Bridges to Development, the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, Sightsavers, and Unlimit Health, among others — we are committed to integrating FGS awareness, prevention, and care into all levels of the health systems we support. Help us to bring this issue out of the shadows — by sharing this message, learning more about FGS, and supporting our mission to ensure that no girl or woman is left behind.
Know more about this initiative here: https://www.eliminateschisto.org/fig-female-genital-schistosomiasis-integration-group
