As part of an ISID/BMGF‑funded study on the burden of genital schistosomiasis in Chad, researchers from CIBITH carried out fieldwork in rural communities in 2024 and 2025. Community entry began with consultations with key local authorities to introduce the study, followed by biological sample collection—mainly urine and blood—from community members.
Urogenital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting people in remote villages. It is transmitted by a parasitic worm and commonly causes bloody urine and other chronic health problems. Even more neglected is its genital manifestation, female genital schistosomiasis, which remains largely under‑recognized and under‑diagnosed.
During the field visits, the team observed several ecological factors that sustain transmission, including freshwater bodies that serve as breeding sites for snail hosts and frequent water contact among women during domestic activities. The team also conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews to understand community perceptions of female genital schistosomiasis firsthand.
These activities were made possible through strong collaboration with a dedicated team of researchers in Chad, whose commitment was essential to the success of the missions. Photos from the fieldwork are shown below.
We are now establishing a molecular laboratory and acquiring state‑of‑the‑art research equipment to analyze the collected samples. This will enable us to generate high‑quality molecular data, characterize pathogen biology, and better understand disease transmission dynamics in endemic communities—ultimately supporting evidence‑based policy decisions.
More updates will be shared soon—stay tuned.
