Organized biennially by Fiocruz, through the Fio-Schisto Translational Research Program, this Symposium has established itself as one of the most important global forums dedicated to the study and control of this disease.

Under the central theme “Global Health and Schistosomiasis”, this edition reinforces the recognition of schistosomiasis as a socially determined disease, whose impacts disproportionately affect populations in situations of vulnerability. In this sense, it affects numerous and diverse communities around the world, making an integrated global effort, both academic and in health management, essential for its elimination.

We will bring together approximately 500 participants, including researchers, managers, students, health workers, and representatives of civil society, with the primary objective of promoting the integration of these different stakeholders to discuss knowledge gaps and advances in technological innovation and disease control. This articulation becomes even more relevant considering that addressing schistosomiasis is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health, whose efforts directly contribute to the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of controlling and eliminating the disease as a public health problem by 2030.

The scientific program was designed to encompass the various dimensions of schistosomiasis, ranging from biological aspects to the social and environmental determinants of health. Throughout the event, we will promote plenary sessions and roundtable discussions that will explore crucial topics such as drug development, innovations in diagnostic testing, basic sanitation, access to safe drinking water, and the detection and control of intermediate hosts, among others.

We also reaffirm our strong commitment to inclusion, ensuring scientific excellence alongside the promotion of diversity and equity in race, gender, and age. Our activities will encourage the participation of early-career scientists, the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups, and the promotion of South–South cooperation. The Symposium will also feature short courses, exhibitions of scientific collections, and free-theme and poster presentations, providing a unique environment for human resource development and fostering the translation of scientific knowledge into public policies.

Beyond the scientific excellence of our program, the meeting will be set in Rio de Janeiro, a city of unparalleled beauty and with a long tradition of hosting major academic events. The main headquarters of Fiocruz and the historic Castelo de Manguinhos are located in the city. This iconic building, with the vibrant colors of its tiles and stained glass, directly inspired the visual identity of this edition, standing as a true historical landmark, both tangible and intangible, of international scientific integration.

Your presence and expertise are essential to enrich this transdisciplinary debate and to join efforts toward improving the quality of life of populations affected by schistosomiasis.

We look forward to your participation.
You are most welcome!

Marcelo Pelajo Machado
President of the Symposium