Ministry of Health Climaxes Strategic Training Section in Buchanan to Tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases in Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia: The Ministry of Health will today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, climax a three-day strategic planning training session that focused on addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with special attention on Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), one of the most underreported forms of Schistosomiasis in Liberia.

The training, which commenced on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the K-Plaza Guest House in the port city of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, will climax on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The training brought together key stakeholders, including health authorities, medical professionals, researchers, and survivors, to deliberate on effective strategies to reduce the impact of NTDs.

"Transforming Access to FGS Services in Liberia," the theme of the training, underscores the urgent need to improve healthcare delivery services for women and girls affected by schistosomiasis, particularly those in remote areas.

Dr. Karsor Kollie, Program Director for NTDs at the Ministry of Health, revealed that years ago, health teams detected over 270 cases of schistosomiasis in Nimba and Bong counties.

He described the discovery as alarming, noting that many cases went unnoticed due to lack of awareness and access to diagnostic services.

Schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever, is a parasitic disease transmitted through contact with freshwater contaminated by infected snails.

The disease affects both men and women, but FGS—a specific manifestation in women—has been linked to infertility and increased susceptibility to HIV.

According to Dr. Kollie, the knowledge-sharing gathering is a crucial step toward developing a robust and inclusive national strategy that will be integrated into the ministry’s broader health initiatives for the year 2027.

“Our goal is to design a plan that will reduce the transmission of schistosomiasis and also ensure that communities most at risk, especially women and children, receive proper treatment and preventive care,” he said.

Participants will evaluate current challenges in FGS management, identify gaps in healthcare delivery, and propose practical interventions to improve awareness, screening, and treatment across Liberia.

At the climax of the training, the Ministry of Health is expected to unveil a strategic plan that will inform policy decision-making, promote community engagement, and guide resource allocation in the ongoing fight against NTDs in Liberia.