Authors

M Gyapong¹;  ¹ Centre for Health Policy and Implementation Research , University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana

Discussion

Typically found in disadvantaged, and marginalized segments of populations and communities in developing countries, particularly in Africa, Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Urogenital schistosomiasis is a dangerous consequence of schistosoma infections that drastically decreases quality of life and causes much misery and pain to both men and women.
Affecting millions of people with significant gender disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention., Female and Male Genital Schistosomiasis like any condition that affects the reproductive organs are sensitive, private, and stigmatising with gender, equity and disability issues that are deeply rooted in local sociocultural contexts, needing interventions to be adapted to those contexts. Infected individuals incur added burdens due to stigma, isolation and other negative consequences such as the acceptability of health services, leading to differential health care outcomes. There is evidence to show that, most of the time, health care providers are unaware of issues arising from gender-based inequity in access to health care and Genital Schistosomiasis particularly in women is known to have been misdiagnosed and mistreated..
While female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) has received increasing attention due to its links to cervical cancer, infertility, and HIV transmission, male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) remains understudied and underreported.
In this talk, I will examine the gender and equity issues surrounding MGS and FGS, including: Gender differences in disease prevalence, symptoms, and healthcare-seeking behavior, Social and cultural barriers to diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women and girls, Inequitable access to preventive measures, such as safe water and sanitation, The impact of gender roles and power dynamics on disease transmission and health outcomes, The need for gender-sensitive approaches to control and elimination efforts