UK Launch of the Female Genital Schistosomiasis Integration Group (FIG)
The UK Coalition against Neglected Tropical Diseases together with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases co-hosted a Parliamentary reception in the House of Lords entitled Ending the Neglect: Celebrating the UK’s role in beating NTDs.
The reception launched the Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) Integration Group (FIG). A coalition of organisations galvanising joint action across the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV, HPV/cervical cancer, neglected tropical disease (NTD) and WASH sectors to tackle the neglected issue of FGS.
On the launch of the Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) Integration Group (FIG) at the reception. Baroness Sugg said: "This integration presents a practical opportunity to help break across silos and end the suffering of tens of millions of women from a condition that is easily prevented and easily treatable.
“One of the four pillars of the Government’s very recently published International Development Strategy is to provide women and girls with the freedom they need to succeed, to unlock their future potential, to educate girls and to support their empowerment and protect them against violence.
“Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) can negatively impact women’s education and economic empowerment. Along with other sexual and reproductive conditions, FGS can increase the violence that women and girls experience.
“This integration is a quick and effective way that the UK could deliver on our commitment to women and girls. It is a simple and value-for-money way to help deliver the government’s aims and to enable women and girls to prosper.”
The reception also included an exhibition, curated by members of the Coalition on NTDs, highlighting their successes in tackling NTDs.