HER: The Hidden Crisis

The water hides it.
Her body bears it.

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is an invisible crisis affecting 56 million women and girls worldwide.

YOU CAN make a real difference.

Every donation provides access to information, diagnosis and treatment for women and girls in Liberia.

THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER. BUT NO ONE TALKS ABOUT IT.

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is caused by a microscopic parasite living in contaminated freshwater. The parasite (Schistosoma haematobium) is found in rivers and lakes across Liberia and much of sub-Saharan Africa.

When women and girls swim, wash, or collect water, the parasite can enter their bodies unnoticed, putting their health at risk.

Without access to safe water, sanitation, or regular treatment, the risk of infection and long-term complications increases.

75% of women in endemic regions may be affected

56 million women and girls worldwide

240 million people living with the disease in sub-Saharan Africa

HER PAIN IS INVISIBLE. SHE SHOULDN’T BE.

The disease is invisible at first — but over time, it causes chronic pain, infertility, and isolation.

Many women are misdiagnosed, shamed, or rejected by their communities.

When left untreated, FGS can lead to miscarriage, increased risk of HIV, infertility and cervical cancer.

44% of women screened in Liberia’s pilot sites were diagnosed with FGS.

Girls as young as 2 years old can be infected — symptoms often emerge at puberty.

FGS is not an STI — and it’s not her fault.

TOGETHER, WE CAN BRING DIGNITY, AWARENESS, AND LASTING CHANGE.

Effect Hope is working with the Ministry of Health in Liberia to integrate FGS care into the national health system. Your support trains health workers, reduces stigma, and ensures faster diagnosis and treatment.

TRAIN HEALTHCare
WORKERS

PROVIDE ESSENTIAL MEDICINES

IMPROVE DATA AND DIAGNOSTICS

RAISE AWARENESS &
FIGHT STIGMA

GIVE TODAY TO HELP US REACH OUR GOAL

It’s preventable and treatable.

symptoms can improve within weeks of receiving appropriate care.

In Liberia, 1 in 2 symptomatic women screened tested positive in pilot results.

Your donation brings care to hundreds by training one health care worker.

Transforming Care, Strengthening Systems.

Together with the Ministry of Health, we are integrating FGS care into Liberia's national health system.

Your support drives two outcomes: it improves the lives of women and girls through community education, health worker training, and better access to diagnostics and medicines—and it strengthens the health system for lasting change.

you can make a real difference.

Every dollar counts, every donation provides access to information, diagnosis and treatment for women and girls in Liberia.

DONATE NOW

WHO WE ARE

Our Impact

We work with global partners to strengthen healthcare systems, support community-based care, and ensure treatment reaches people affected by neglected tropical diseases. This approach helps make care accessible, trusted, and lasting — even in the hardest-to-reach places.

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