by Wasson PS, Kavanagh Williamson M, Hallas-Potts A, Lopez-Jimen B,Koscielniak M, Tait S, Gyapong M, Lamberti O, Ndubani R, Preston A, Musaya J, Kayuni SA, Kumwenda D, van Lieshout L, Webster BL, Downs JA, Sturt A, Specht S, Lemin ME, Long EF, Kjetland EF, Randrianasolo BS, Stothard JR, Gouvras A, Rollinson D, Secor WE, Shanaube K, Bustinduy AL. Parasitology 2025: 1-44. doi: 10.1017/S0031182025100346.
Summary: A lack of awareness and resources means that female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is underreported, misdiagnosed, and inadequately treated. Several studies have highlighted research needs and priorities, including better training, accessible and accurate diagnostic tools, and treatment guidelines. On September 6th, 2024, LifeArc, the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance (GSA) and partners from the BILGENSA Research Network (Genital Bilharzia in Southern Africa) convened a consultative, collaborative and translational workshop: ‘Female Genital Schistosomiasis: Translational Challenges and Opportunities’. It aimed to identify practical solutions that could address these research needs and drive appropriate actions towards tackling FGS. The authors of this manuscript present the outcomes of that workshop – a series of discrete translational actions to better galvanise the community and research funders.