Conference Research Topic: 16th International Symposium on Schistosomiasis

Book excerpt: Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in many tropical areas in the world. This neglected tropical disease is endemic in 78 countries and affects over 250 million worldwide. In 2021 the World Health Organization published the document “Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021−2030”, which established as goals for schistosomiasis (i) elimination of the disease as a public health problem in 78 affected countries by 2030, and (ii) elimination of transmission in 25 endemic countries by 2030. However, to achieve these goals, it is necessary to better understand the disease and its dynamics, the parasite's immunobiology, and its relationship with the definitive and intermediate hosts. This will allow for the development of vaccines, more effective/alternative drugs, precise diagnostic methods, and improved strategies to prevent, control, and eventually even eliminate this devastating disease. Since 1987 the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz, Brazilian Ministry of Health) has organized the International Symposium on Schistosomiasis on a biennial basis. Historically, this symposium brings together approximately 350 people, accounting for world-renowned scientists, public health managers, students, and policymakers, to translate the knowledge generated in research institutions into actions and tools to improve the quality of life of the population affected by schistosomiasis. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the symposium had to be postponed. In order to continue the discussion on schistosomiasis in these difficult times, the organizing committee of the event launched a Pre-conference Research topic (Pre-Conference Research Topic: 16th International Symposium on Schistosomiasis) where scientists could share their latest discoveries with the community. With the advent of vaccines and other public health strategies implemented across the globe, we are pleased to announce that The 16th edition of the International Symposium on Schistosomiasis will be held in person between 21 and 23 November 2022, in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We would like to invite our colleagues that intend to attend the Symposium to submit their contributions. In addition, submissions from scientists that would not be able to join us in Ouro Preto in November are also welcome.