(Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, April 29, 2025) The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Program of the Ministry of Health, in partnership with international organizations including Effect Hope (Canada), Unlimit Health (United Kingdom), ANESVAD (Italy), and Hope Rises—also known as the American Leprosy Mission— is hosting a three-day strategic planning session from April 28 to 30, 2025, in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The session, held under the theme “Transforming Access to Female Genital Schistosomiasis Services in Liberia,” focused on drafting a national strategy to manage and prevent Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected yet significant reproductive health issue. The event brought together key stakeholders to review current data, health programs, and policy frameworks related to schistosomiasis and reproductive health.
The goal is to identify gaps in service delivery and policy implementation and to chart a path forward for a more coordinated national response. “Anytime I hear about tropical medicine, I feel like I am back home,” said Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health, during the opening ceremony. “As it relates to Female Genital Schistosomiasis, in obstetrics and gynecology, we often overlook it—not because it’s unimportant, but because it hasn’t been emphasized in our training. Medical practitioners must be sensitized to consider schistosomiasis during ovarian examinations; sometimes it’s not cancer—it could be schistosomiasis. On behalf of the President, I declare this program officially open.”
The planning session focused on developing a comprehensive framework covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, community engagement, research, and advocacy. Stakeholders collaborated to define a shared vision, strategic objectives, and actionable steps toward an effective national response to FGS, particularly in endemic regions.
Multi-sectoral collaboration is another key component of the event. Participants clarified stakeholder roles and explored opportunities for coordinated partnerships among governmental agencies, NGOs, and international health organizations. This approach aims to ensure sustainable, community-centered interventions.