The Fast Package Transition to Scale Project: Improving Women’s Health by Reducing Morbidity from Female Genital Schistosomiasis in Ghana

General Overview / Background to the Study

One of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Sub-Saharan Africa is called schistosomiasis, bilharzia or “snail fever.” Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects men, women and children living in tropical regions. Endemic in 78 countries, this disease affects more than 250 million people with approximately 90% of the disease burden found in Africa.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) remains one of the most important neglected areas in women’s and girl’s health globally. An estimated 40 million women have FGS, nearly all in sub-Saharan Africa. FGS represents a unique global health challenge in terms of its scale, neglect, and positive impact if addressed, hence, a comprehensive intervention program needs to be implemented in highly endemic areas to ensure that a holistic approach is used to address FGS.

Aim of the Study

The aim of the FGS Accelerated Scale Together (FAST) package is to improve adolescent girls and women’s health by reducing morbidity associated with FGS through preventative and curative efforts.

Methodology

The FAST package will apply a quasi-experimental study design to assess effectiveness at scale. It will involve a baseline assessment, interventional phase and end-line assessment. The baseline and end-line assessments will be carried out at using both quantitative (surveys, and pictorial diaries) and qualitative (In-depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and Photovoice) methods of data collection and analysis to explore existing and change in knowledge, cultural beliefs, perception and practices of community members including teachers and health care providers following the delivery of the FAST package interventions.

The project will be implemented in 2 districts in Ghana where issues of FGS at the individual, community and health system levels would be addressed from birth throughout the lifecycle.

Expected Outcome

It is expected that the FAST package project would improve the health of women and girls, increase awareness and support high coverage mass drug administration (MDA) in schools, improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of FGS, and prevent mismanagement and stigma and transition to scale in Ghana and other countries where FGS is endemic.

Link: https://fastpackage.org/

Funding Agency

Grand Challenges Canada