The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of women and girls, as Liberia intensifies efforts to tackle the condition nationwide.
Dr. Kpoto made the commitment while attending the validation of the National Female Genital Schistosomiasis Strategic Plan during a three-day meeting held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The validation workshop was organized by the Ministry of Health through its Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Programme and brought together health officials, development partners, clinicians, and public health experts to review and endorse the national strategy.
Speaking at the event, the Health Minister described the diagnosis and treatment of FGS as both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal concern, recalling her early experience as a clinician.
She said during her years in medical practice, she often encountered patients with symptoms consistent with FGS but lacked the appropriate tools and guidance to make a definitive diagnosis.
“As Minister of Health, I have made it a priority to work closely with the NTD Programme to ensure that the necessary diagnostic tools are included in the national procurement plan,” Dr. Kpoto stated.
She disclosed that equipment such as colposcopes will be procured this year to improve accurate diagnosis and clinical management of the disease in health facilities across the country.
Dr. Kpoto also emphasized the importance of developing a clear and standardized case definition for Female Genital Schistosomiasis, noting that this will help health workers identify and manage the condition more effectively.
She further highlighted the need for targeted training of midwives, nurses, and other frontline health workers, particularly those providing maternal and reproductive health services.
According to the World Health Organization, Female Genital Schistosomiasis affects up to 56 million women and girls globally, with the vast majority living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Health experts note that FGS remains largely underdiagnosed and misunderstood, despite its serious impact on sexual and reproductive health, including chronic pain, infertility, and increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections.
Officials say the validation of the National FGS Strategic Plan represents a major milestone in Liberia’s efforts to integrate FGS prevention, diagnosis, and treatment into routine health services.
The Ministry of Health and its partners expressed optimism that the implementation of the strategy will strengthen awareness, improve care for affected women, and significantly reduce the burden of the disease nationwide.
