Training is an important component of the FAST Package. Research has repeatedly shown that healthcare providers at different levels of the system are not aware about FGS. Before raising awareness in the community, healthcare providers need to be made aware of FGS, its signs and symptoms.
Integral to the FAST Package approach are the following elements:
The training packages developed by the FAST Package team include:
The Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) core competencies were defined through an intensive virtual workshop in July 2020, bringing together over 60 participants from 24 countries, working in 15 FGS-endemic countries in Africa, and from a variety of professional backgrounds. The result of the workshop was a set of 27 FGS competencies that WHO has reviewed. Please see below the link for the FGS Core Competencies in English, French.
The FAST package team compiled the most common questions emerging from participants during the online FGS workshop to which the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) prepared detailed responses. This Frequent Asked Question (FAQ) document counts with over 30 questions covering topics on the diagnosis of FGS as well as public policies. The FAQ was initially drafted in English and later translated to French.
Below are videos from the online training developed in coordination of Bridges to Development and the Geneva Learning Foundation. There have been several iterations of this training.
The FGS Impact Accelerator provided opportunities for learners that have taken part in the FGS workshop May-June 2021 to share their experiences and knowledge with FGS and discuss them with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Following the synchronous learning sessions, learners identified what they could do within their spheres of influence to address FGS. They developed action plans on how to problem-solve the issues within their local context. The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) facilitated a unique FGS accelerator approach to empower and support motivated FGS scholars in implementing their action plans. Please click the links below to listen to TGLF FGS Impact Accelerator special event and some exciting stories on how FGS scholars across the globe are leading change.
The FAST Package has developed a poster for use in primary health clinics and hospitals where FGS may be considered as a possible diagnosis. The audience for the poster are clinicians and frontline healthcare workers.
