Female genital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium. It lays its eggs in the genital mucosa where it creates local inflammation with contact bleeding, friable blood vessels, and up-regulation of immune cells in the tissues. Furthermore, females with schistosomiasis have been found to have three times more HIV. In a prospective cluster-randomized control trial in South Africa, we intend to collect evidence on the association between genital schistosomiasis and HIV, explore diagnostic alternatives, and explore the effect of intervention on genital disease and HIV incidence.

The objectives of the research project can be summarised into the following five key points:

• To investigate various diagnostic and intervention strategies for the control of Bilharzia, gender problems and susceptibility to other diseases
• To add value for the health and welfare in country of research
• To lift the scientific competence through joint activities
• To strengthen cooperation for the purpose of developing long-lasting and effective research

Long term goals:

The objectives of the research project can be summarised into the following five key points:

• To investigate various diagnostic and intervention strategies for the control of Bilharzia, gender problems and susceptibility to other diseases
• To add value for the health and welfare in country of research
• To lift the scientific competence through joint activities
• To strengthen cooperation for the purpose of developing long-lasting and effective research