Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) Job Aid for health promoters

The ‘FGS Integration Project’, delivered by Frontline AIDS, LVCT Health and Bridges to Development working with local and national governments in Kenya, Homa Bay, Kilifi and Kwale Counties and funded by the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) - developed guidance, including a minimum service package (MSP) and a job aid for FGS integration, demonstrating the journey that women might take to receive SRHR, HIV and FGS services from their health facility.

This job aid is designed to be used by community health promoters (CHPs) to support them to include schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) in their community
interventions. They can:

• Raise awareness about and provide health information on schistosomiasis and genital schistosomiais, including risk factors and how to prevent it.
• Explain the common signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis and FGS.
• Explain that FGS is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) despite having similar symptoms.
• Describe the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) complications of untreated FGS, including subfertility and infertility.
• Explain how untreated FGS can increase the risk of HIV and cervical cancer.
• Screen girls and women for risk of schistosomiasis and FGS.
• Explain the referral process and diagnosis procedures for FGS.
• Provide information on praziquantel as prevention and treatment of FGS, including addressing myths and misconceptions. (And encourage community members to attend mass drug administration (MDA) sessions where praziquantel is distributed).
• Help reduce stigma and promote uptake of services by women and girls affected by FGS through inclusive approaches.
• Refer girls and women to health facilities that provide FGS services