Female Genital Schistosomiasis: Opportunities for Research

15 September 2019
ACC, Kings Dock St, Liverpool L3 4FP

FGS meeting

On Sunday, September 15, 2019, experts in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), HIV, gynecology, and related fields will convene for a meeting on female genital schistosomiasis (FGS).

The aim of this meeting is to identify priority research questions regarding the measurement, treatment and control of FGS in order to guide the agenda of future operational research on this important, neglected gynecological disease. In addition, this one-day meeting will look at opportunities to engage with at-risk local communities, in-country gynecological services and HIV programs.

Register HERE

"FGS is one of the more dramatic examples of differential gender effects caused by an NTD. FGS occurs in up to 70% of women with Schistosoma haematobium infections and has been associated with increased stigma, infertility, and HIV transmission,” said Evan Secor, research microbiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
“With support from the UK aid from the British people, the Coalition for Operational Research for NTDs (COR-NTD) is excited to partner with the European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health in Liverpool to convene a one-day meeting on FGS to expand participants’ knowledge and understanding of this condition and discuss strategies to address it. Collaboration among groups, including the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, COUNTDOWN and the World Health Organization Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, will lead to operational research to increase our understanding on the burden of FGS and reduce its impact on the health of women and girls in S. haematobium endemic areas,”
 

Those working on schistosomiasis, HIV, cervical cancer, child & adolescent health, and related global health topics are encouraged to attend. To register please fill out the form linked below or via the box on the right.

A preliminary agenda is now out: 

TIME

SESSION

LOCATION

7:00 – 8:30 am

Registration

Galleria

8:30 – 9:30 am

Plenary

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS): Challenges and opportunities for HIV and NTDs

 

Framing the problem:

  • FGS: The Clinical Picture – Amaya Bustinduy
  • FGS: The Social Impact – Margaret Gyapong
  • Links to HIV: What is known – Evan Secor
  • FGS in the context of HIV programming – Kreena Govender
  • Introduction to breakout sessions – Alison Krentel

 

Room 1C

9:30 – 11:00 am

Breakouts

 

  1. Defining and measuring FGS: the diagnostic need for burden assessment and impact evaluation
  2. Preventing, treating and morbidity management: programmatic strategies for addressing FGS
  3. Reaching those at risk: identifying linkages between HIV and NTD programs
  4. Community engagement:  Addressing challenges of stigma and cultural taboos – drawing from the experience of HIV

Rooms

 

4A

 

4B

 

11C

 

11A

11:00 – 11:30 am

Coffee Break

Room 3

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Breakouts, continued

 

 

Rooms 4A, 4B, 11A & 11C

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Lunch Break

Room 3

2:00 – 4:00 pm

Plenary

Feedback from morning sessions

 

A. Fiona Fleming and Anouk Gouvras

B. Wendy Harrison and Yael Velleman

C. Evan Secor

D. Margaret Gyapong and Alison Krentel

 

‘From the ground: the program managers perspective’

 

  • Victoria Gamba – Kenya
  • Patriciah Jeckonia – Frontline AIDS, Kenya
  • Benjamin Maarfo - Ghana
  • Christine Masong – Cameroon
  • Nebiyu Negussu – Ethiopia
  • Facilitator: Pamela Mbabazi, WHO

 

Room 1C

4:00 – 4:30 pm

Coffee Break

Room 3

4:30 – 6:00 pm

Plenary

‘FGS: From the donor’s perspective’

  • Darin Evans, USAID
  • Jutta Reinhard-Rupp, Merck KGaA
  • Jamie Tallant, The END Fund
  • Speaker TBA, The World Bank
  • Facilitator: Peter Hotez, Baylor College of Medicine

WRAP UP

 

Room 1C
https://mailchi.mp/9408fac58815/mini-corntd-1593465
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