02479nas a2200265   4500000000100000008004100001260003700042653002100079653002700100653004100127653002100168653003900189653003300228653002700261653002100288653002000309100001300329700001500342700001400357245011700371856024900488300000800737520144300745022002502188       2025                            d  bCambridge University Press (CUP)10aDiagnostic tools10aenvironment management10aFemale genital schistosomiasis (FGS)10aHealth Education10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aPreventive chemotherapy (PC)10asanitation and hygiene10aSchistosomiasis 10awomen and girls1 aMutapi F1 aHietanen H1 aMduluza T00aMainstreaming female genital schistosomiasis to ensure it is not neglected among the neglected tropical diseases  uhttps://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/2DC1E083C7CA2B6A974D66210AEF0D10/S0031182025100838a.pdf/mainstreaming-female-genital-schistosomiasis-to-ensure-it-is-not-neglected-among-the-neglected-tropical-diseases.pdf  a1-93 a<p>Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected manifestation of Schistosoma haematobium infection, affecting an estimated 56 million women in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by lesions in the genital tract, leading to symptoms like pain, infertility and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Despite its prevalence, FGS remains underdiagnosed and underreported due to limited awareness and diagnostic capabilities. Current knowledge emphasizes the need for integrated approaches combining diagnosis, treatment with praziquantel and education. There are ongoing efforts to integrate FGS services into women’s sexual and reproductive services, yet to date many African countries lack programmatic guidance to achieve this. More comprehensive integration and mainstreaming of FGS prevention, control and treatment across various sectors is needed to ensure intersectoral collaboration and financing of programmes. This review examines the various intervention tools currently available to achieve FGS integration in health systems. These include water, sanitation and hygiene improvements, environmental management, health education and inclusion of preschool-aged children in national schistosomiasis control programmes. Highlighted are also the required diagnostic and therapeutic tools, preventive interventions, effective policy and sustainable funding, all integral to achieving comprehensive FGS mainstreaming.</p>
  a0031-1820, 1469-8161