It is estimated that around 45 million women living in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) are affected by Female
genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a chronic, neglected and disabling gynaecological disorder associated with
infertility, dyspareunia and symptoms mimicking sexually transmitted infections (STIs). FGS is difficult
to diagnose and is part of the wider spectrum of urogenital disease caused by the waterborne
parasite Schistosoma haematobium (Sh). In Zambia, reported FGS prevalence ranges from 33-75% of
those with urinary schistosomiasis in endemic areas, suggesting a potentially high FGS burden.
The Zipime Weka Schista (Do self-testing sister!) study is a longitudinal cohort designed as a holistic
approach to FGS detection at scale in the community. The study design will test the hypothesis that
integration of home self-sampling for the screening of FGS in conjunction with HR-HPV and self-testing
for HIV and STIs is an diagnostically accurate, cost-effective and self-empowering strategy that will
increase the detection of cases and improve access to care for women of reproductive age in SSA.
Find out more https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.02.23296341v1