• Blog Post

Joining forces to advocate about Female Genital Schistosomiasis and its impact on HIV

Publish Date

01 DEC 2017

Overview

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: treating schistosomiasis to reduce HIV transmission

Through the Global Health Institute (GHI), continues to foster awareness within the scientific community about Female Genital Schistosomiasis, and the link between this genital form of schistosomiasis with a potential increased risk of contracting HIV.

In particular, through a recent interview by the International Society of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISTND), Jutta Reinhard-Rupp (Head of GHI) has continued sharing key messages on this topic, underlining the importance of treating schistosomiasis early on in patients’ life to potentially contribute to the strategy for reducing HIV transmission.

On the occasion of the World AIDS Day 2017 on December 1st, ISNTD (one of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s partners) launched the Disease Brief called: “Female Genital Schistosomiasis: the Most Neglected Gynaecological Disease”.  Beyond highlighting the strong linkage between FGS and HIV infection, this report aims at triggering acceleration for advocacy, policy and intervention collaboration between the HIV and NTDs communities.