Lancet Microbe Analysis Urges FGS Integration Into HIV and Cervical Cancer Programs for 40 Million Women
Observational and mechanistic evidence links untreated female genital schistosomiasis to elevated HIV and cervical cancer risk in 40 million women. The Lancet Microbe synthesis identifies missed integration opportunities in existing programs and highlights zoonotic hybrids. Controlled trials of combined diagnostics are now needed.
Without integration, global HIV and cervical-cancer elimination targets risk shortfalls in endemic zones where water contact remains common. One Health surveillance of hybrid parasites will also be required to track potential changes in drug susceptibility and transmission dynamics. Next steps include cluster-randomized trials of combined screening algorithms and updated WHO guidelines that formally link FGS to sexual and reproductive health packages.
WHO: By 2028, at least three sub-Saharan countries will adopt combined HPV-FGS molecular screening in national HIV programs, achieving 15% higher case detection than urine-only surveillance.
Sources (2)
- [1]Primary Source(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101425)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis)