August 2012 Newsletter
Transcription
August 2012 Newsletter
10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:43 Page 1 FIGO FIGO International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [email protected] www.figo.org August 2012 FIGO prepares for global gathering@Rome 2012 The FIGO President delivering his address at the Executive Board dinner with Chinese officials The FIGO President, with other participants, at a private Papal audience, on the occasion of the ‘Management of Infertility Today’ Workshop, Vatican City (February 2012) Dear Colleagues Since our last communication in March, it has been an extremely busy time for FIGO! We have been accelerating our efforts to finalise arrangements for the FIGO XX World Congress in Rome, from 7 to 12 October 2012. The Scientific Programme Committee has performed a wonderful job in compiling an exceptionally strong programme incorporating basic- to cutting-edge knowledge in women’s health. The agenda also involves top representatives of UN organisations, NGOs, sister professional organisations and policymakers as our collaborative efforts are essential to achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Congress Organising Committee has been working hard to ensure the comfort of all attendees, and easy transportation to the INSIDE: Congress venue (on registration, participants will receive a free travel card for use on public transport to be utilised throughout the Congress). The social and cultural programmes are outstanding and include a Papal Audience on Wednesday 10 October. The Local Organising Committee is sponsoring 30 Fellowships for young colleagues from developing countries in Members of the Executive Board participating in an educational seminar, Beijing (May 2012) Centres of Excellence in Italy, and it is also hosting seven Pre-Congress educational and training courses in Italian hospitals. I am highly encouraged by the enthusiasm of thousands of my colleagues from all over the world who have already registered for this Congress. Please do join us for what promises to be one of the most memorable ever, and during which we shall celebrate launching the new African Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AFOG). I would like to thank the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa for its staunch support of this forthcoming enterprise. FIGO leading the way in global education and training With rapid developments in science and technology, and the evolution of evidence-based and person-centered management of various women’s health conditions, it is essential to strengthen our education and training programmes to enable the passing on of knowledge and skills to ‘grassroots’ obstetricians and gynecologists in remote rural areas. Since October 2009, our Committee for Capacity Building in Education and Training has conducted more than 54 sessions and workshops around the globe, particularly in developing countries. For example, an outstanding hands-on workshop continued on page 2 World Congress countdown | Executive Board meets in Beijing | Gynuity’s Beverly Winikoff | Dr André Lalonde reviews SMN Initiative | Latest from LOGIC International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 1 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:43 Page 2 FIGO prepares for global gathering@Rome 2012 Continued from page 1 Burkina Faso Workshop (one of a series) on ‘Ultrasound and Basic Surgical Skills’ for 40 obstetricians and 30 midwives was organised in Burkina Faso by Professor Eric Jauniaux, in collaboration with the Societé de Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Burkina (SOGOB). Following on from the success of the hands-on workshop on Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), held in Khartoum last February, a further course is scheduled there from 17–20 September 2012, while another is planned for the Ukraine. Thanks are due to Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe for its robust support of this programme. As Dr David Adamson (Chair of the FIGO Committee for Reproductive Medicine) and myself were very encouraged with the great success of three workshops on ‘A Basic and Advanced Clinical and Laboratory Training Course in Infertility, including ART for Developing Countries’, a fourth workshop is planned in collaboration with the International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research (IICPSR), Al Azhar University, from 8–12 December 2012. Many thanks to IBSA International for its support of these Committee activities. The Executive Board endorsed the Training Curriculum on Bioethics in Human Reproduction and Women’s Health for Developing Countries, developed by the FIGO Committee for Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction and Women's Health. This Curriculum will be a tremendous help for developing countries both in pre-service and in in-service training of healthcare professionals. I sincerely thank Ford Foundation for its support of this project. The FIGO Fistula Initiative – ensuring high quality clinical training for the care of women with obstetric fistula – is progressing well. Accreditation for training centres has taken place and training centres are now identified (see Professor Rushwan’s report on page three). Thanks are due to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and a host of other high profile partners. MDG 2015 Countdown and FIGO global partnerships FIGO has joined forces in global efforts to accelerate progress to achieve the health-related Millennium Development Goals. On invitation from the Director of WHO’s RHR/HRP, I participated in the 29th Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) meeting held in Geneva in February. Discussions mainly centred on the strategic direction of the department and the HRP research breakthroughs contributing to saving women’s and children lives. In February, I participated in a special workshop, ‘The Management of Infertility Today’, organised by the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Vatican, Italy, delivering a lecture on ‘The Global Changing Prevalence of Infertility’, and its impact on population policy and family planning. The highlight of the visit was a private Papal Audience. 2 In May I participated in the 5th International Parliamentarians’ Conference on the Implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, in Istanbul, organised by UNFPA and the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (EPF). I presented in the first plenary session of the conference a lecture on ‘Scaling up Strategies to Reduce Maternal Deaths: Achievements and Persistent Challenges’. In June, I held a meeting with UNFPA’s Deputy Executive Director (Programme) and the Assistant UN Secretary-General Dr Kate Gilmore during her exploratory visit to Africa. I discussed with her how best we can utilise Faith-Based Organisations for the implementation of ICPD’s PoA, and achieving the health-related MDGs, and shared IICPSR’s experience at national, regional and international levels. Also that month, FIGO joined the Population Council and Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) and held a meeting on LongActing, Reversible Contraception (LARC) in Bellagio. The group produced a statement which was submitted to a special London Summit meeting – which I attended – organised in July by the UK Government, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNFPA. Many Presidents, First Ladies, Ministers and leaders from UN organisations and NGOs attended. A video message was sent from Hillary Clinton, and an address given by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The meeting was extremely successful, with pledged commitments of 2.6 billion US dollars from donor governments and other partners, and 2 billion US dollars from developing countries, to provide for the unmet need for contraception for 120 million women and girls in developing countries by 2020. Shortly after this Summit, FIGO met with the Population Council and the RHSC to discuss how best to utilise the statement to improve access to LARC. Japan (April 2012): I met with the JSOG leadership and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to discuss the involvement of Japan in FIGO’s global women’s health activities. FIGO will develop a concept proposal to take this initiative forward. • 60th ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), San Diego, USA (May 2012): I discussed with ACOG’s leadership its support of FIGO’s Congress, and the progress of its initiative on global maternal health with FIGO, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). • 38th NFOG Congress (Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology), Bergen, Norway (June 2012): I delivered a lecture on ‘Ethics in Human Reproduction and Women’s Health’. I discussed with Professor Knut Hordnes, Congress President, and Dr Goran Berg, NFOG President, strengthening collaboration and coordination between FIGO and NFOG in developing countries where FIGO and NFOG both have ongoing progress. • 68th SOGC Annual Clinical Meeting, Ottawa, Canada (June 2012): This presented a special opportunity to discuss strengthening collaboration between FIGO and the SOGC in the light of the new SOGC leadership, and also the selection of Vancouver as the site of the 2015 Congress. The highlight of this meeting was attending the Council and the Past Presidents’ dinner where I was awarded the Honorary SOGC Fellowship. I am immensely proud to be recognised in this way, and am grateful to the SOGC Council for bestowing this great honour. Our thanks to China: Executive Board 2012 Our 72nd Executive Board meeting was held in Beijing, China, in May 2012. It was a superbly organised event, and it well reflected that FIGO’s relationship with its member societies is getting stronger and stronger. In fact, we have already received requests to host the 2013 meeting from several member societies. I know that both FIGO staff and Board members were overwhelmed by the great hospitality and warmth of our Chinese colleagues, and their excellent organisation. I am extremely grateful to the Chinese Government and the Chinese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CSOG) for their kindness and their commitment to the overall success of this important annual event. Strengthening collaboration with member and regional societies Over the past few months I have participated in a large number of regional and national society meetings, delivering presentations, chairing sessions and workshops and holding meetings and discussions with key society representatives. These included: • 64th JSOG Annual Congress (Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology), Kobe, 64th JSOG Annual Congress (Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology), Kobe, Japan (April 2012) The FIGO Executive Board visiting the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Colleagues and friends: as I end this message, there is still a great deal for FIGO to accomplish before the start of the Congress. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you all to what I know will be one of the most memorable FIGO Congresses since the start of its history. I wish you a productive summer and safe travels to Rome. Best wishes FIGO President Gamal Serour International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:43 Page 3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S OVERVIEW FIGO@Rome 2012: The place to be Dear Colleagues Dr Catherine Hamlin with Chief Executive Hamid Rushwan and Lord Naren Patel Photo courtesy of the MCHIP Program By the time you receive this summer edition of the Newsletter, the XX FIGO World Congress will be just a few short weeks away. The various organising Committees are putting the finishing touches to what will be a most tremendous event. If FIGO Chief Executive, you have not already Hamid Rushwan done so, please secure your registration at http://www.figo2012.org/registration to avoid disappointment. This triennial FIGO event is the culmination of three years’ exceptional hard work and planning, and we are thrilled that so many of our global colleagues are set to join us. More news about the Congress can be found on page 10. Meetings and travels have been extremely brisk since my last reporting. In early March, I attended a Technical Consultation on the World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations on PostPartum Haemorrhage, in Montreux. The meeting was held to review available evidence and update the global recommendations on prevention and management of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) – the leading cause of maternal mortality – and it addressed major issues both for women who give birth in a medical setting and for those who deliver at home. The WHO and stakeholders are developing a new set of guidelines on the prevention and treatment of PPH, based on new scientific evidence, and this will be circulated to stakeholders for endorsement. Training Initiative using FIGO’s Training Manual, and a course for the Training of Trainers will be conducted in Addis in the very near future. The Hamlin Fistula Hospital will provide an excellent training facility for the FIGO Initiative. In Tanzania, we visited the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania (CCBRT), a well recognised hospital with an impressive track record of fistula activity. Two experienced surgeons are ready to participate in the Training Initiative, utilising the manual, and Fellowships are being finalised for training eight trainers and a selection of trainees. The last site we visited was in Arusha, where Dr Andrew Browning provides general obstetrical and gynecological services in a new hospital. There are only a few fistula cases being treated here, and therefore the centre is not able to accommodate or provide training. However it is anticipated that training will be conducted in Arusha on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the caseload for trainees. Beijing press conference Conference – held in partnership with the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) – where I chaired a FIGOsponsored session: Misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage: From clinical evidence to operational realities (see our update on FIGO’s misoprostol initiative on page nine). Shortly afterwards, I flew to Washington to participate in two important meetings: the ‘Child Survival Call to Action’ organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and a preceding briefing/consultation meeting on Countdown to 2015 combined with a civil society forum about the ‘Call to Action’, organised by Save the Children. At June-end, I travelled to the WHO in Geneva to represent FIGO at the 25th Meeting of the Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC), Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) – the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research. This meeting coincided with the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the HRP. Olympus and FIGO join forces on MIS WHO PPH meeting (Montreux) Fistula site visits set the scene for accreditation At April-end, I travelled to Ethiopia and Tanzania with Lord Patel, Chair of the FIGO Committee for Fistula, to carry out site accreditation visits as part of the planned implementation of the structured fistula surgery training programme using the Global Competency-Based Fistula Surgery Training Manual, developed by FIGO and partners. Four centres were visited. In Ethiopia, the Gondar Fistula Centre (65-bedded), directed by Dr Mulu Muleta and Dr Ambaye Wolde Michael, was well equipped, but needs transportation to bring more patients from the surrounding rural areas, as well as additional equipment. In Gondar we met with a physician who had travelled from Bangladesh to begin six weeks’ training in fistula surgery. He is part of a FIGO-organised training programme that aims to increase the global number of physicians trained to provide treatment for women living with fistula. We also visited the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, run under the guidance of Dr Catherine Hamlin. This hospital is very well established, with six satellite centres, and it has a large caseload. The doctors are extremely committed to the FIGO L–R (Gondar Fistula Centre): Fistula surgery trainee (from Bangladesh); nurse; Dr Ambaye Wolde Michael; Professor Hamid Rushwan; Dr Mulu Muleta; nurse; Lord Naren Patel FIGO held its annual Executive Board meeting in Beijing, in May, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank once again the Chinese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CSOG) for its superb organisation of this important event (a full report is on page five). We received great hospitality from our Chinese hosts, and special mention must go to President Dr Jinghe Lang, and Former President Dr Zeyi Cao. I am extremely pleased to report that the first FIGO-Olympus Workshop on Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) – organised in conjunction with the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of the Sudan – was successfully conducted at Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan, at the end of February. This is as a result of a new collaboration recently agreed with Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe, which is sponsoring the establishment of three FIGO training centres in Africa, East Europe and possibly Latin America, as well as the trainees and trainers. This highly successful Workshop set the optimum standards for future events, and the second course will run from 17–20 September 2012. FIGO would like to extend its gratitude to the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of the Sudan for its robust efforts in helping the collaboration to achieve its goals. The first course for MIS in Kiev, the Ukraine, is planned for September 2012. Details will be available soon on www.figo.org I wish you all safe travels to Rome, and a highly enjoyable and successful few days at the Congress. Thank you for supporting FIGO’s good work. Best wishes Executive Board in session Keeping our global momentum In June – a hectic month – I travelled to Kuching, Malaysia, for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ (RCOG) 10th Annual International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 FIGO Chief Executive Hamid Rushwan 3 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:43 Page 4 PEOPLE Q and A with Beverly Winikoff, MD, MPH (President of Gynuity Health Projects) After almost 30 years of work on Reproductive Health based in large organisations, Dr Beverly Winikoff opened the doors of Gynuity Health Projects in 2003. Gynuity (www.gynuity.org), as it is more commonly Beverly Winikoff, MD, MPH, known, is a small President of Gynuity Health research and technical Projects assistance organisation with an energetic 30strong staff base, most of whom are public health professionals. Gynuity is dedicated to the idea that all people should have access to the fruits of medical science and technology, and it works globally to ensure that reproductive health technologies are widely available at reasonable cost, provided in the context of high-quality services, and offered in a way that recognises the dignity and autonomy of each individual. Efforts are focused particularly on resource-poor environments, underserved populations, and challenging subject matter. Dr Winikoff saw in a small organisation the opportunity to create flexible models of research and implementation, emphasising ways in which existing medicines and health technologies could be provided in a more woman-centred fashion and made more available and acceptable. Dr Winikoff, how did Gynuity’s relationship with FIGO evolve? Gynuity and FIGO have an extensive history of collaboration on several special initiatives aimed at addressing principal causes of maternal mortality, including post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Over the years, we have joined forces to help translate key findings of clinical research (implemented by Gynuity and other international agencies) into policy guidance and clinical protocols. FIGO, along with other international agencies, has joined a five-year initiative led by Gynuity [see page nine] with the aim of translating a large and growing body of scientific evidence on misoprostol for PPH into operational reality, so that all women will have access to a uterotonic for the prevention and/or treatment of PPH. The initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, encompasses a range of scientific, operational and policy issues related to the use of misoprostol for PPH care. As a part of this collaborative effort, FIGO plays a critical role in advocacy for and dissemination of evidencebased information for providers and clinical policymakers. Its member societies continue to be instrumental in setting and advancing the standards of PPH care locally, including the integration of evidence- based norms on the use of misoprostol. IJGO: from strength to strength in 2012 FIGO’s official publication, the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (IJGO), has continued its success over the past 12 months and is experiencing a particularly busy year in 2012. Clare Addington, IJGO Managing Editor, said: ‘The most recent Impact Factor, for 2011, 2.045, is its highest to date, and in 2011 the journal received 1323 submissions. The 2011 acceptance rate is predicted to be 22 per cent and the Journal continues to increase the annual number of reviewers (702 in 2011) and the geographic representation of those contributing reviews.’ IJGO Editorial Board Meeting in progress (London, February 2012) The annual meeting of the IJGO Editorial Board was convened in London in February 2012 and was attended by its Editor – Dr Timothy Johnson – Associate Editors, and members of the Editorial Office. The meeting reviewed the content of the FIGO 2012 World Report on Women’s Health, which will be guest edited by FIGO’s PresidentElect, Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, and will be published in time for the FIGO 2012 Congress in Rome. The Report comprises 20 articles under the challenging topic of ‘Improving Women’s Health’, and contains contributions from, among others, authors from FIGO’s Committees, project teams, and collaborating organisations. Clare added: ‘A particular focus of the Editorial Board Meeting was the development of the IJGO website – www.ijgo.org – and opportunities for implementation of new technologies for reader interaction, such as video hosting.’ At the FIGO Congress in Rome, IJGO will host an author workshop Dr Timothy R B Johnson, IJGO Editor entitled ‘An Insider's Guide to Getting Published’, to be held on Thursday 11 October. The session is an opportunity for authors to hear from IJGO’s editorial team about how to maximize their chances of getting their research published – from understanding the submission process and article requirements, to tips from the Editor about what the Journal is looking for and from Associate Editors giving insights into how to develop and write a paper. This year will also see the publication of two IJGO Supplements, the FIGO Cancer Report, and an online book of the abstracts presented at the FIGO Congress. Clare ended: ‘In April, we welcomed Helen Metherell as a new Editorial Assistant. We are delighted to have her on board and look forward to a productive second half of 2012.’ 4 How do you see Gynuity’s work with FIGO progressing in the future? As part of the ongoing collaboration, the dissemination of new evidence on misoprostol in PPH management to providers is being facilitated by FIGO via a number of expert panels planned and implemented at national, regional and international meetings, including the 2012 FIGO World Congress in Rome where a half-day session is planned. New materials, including training tools, protocols and guidelines on the use of misoprostol in PPH management, are also forthcoming in several languages. To highlight new research and its implications as findings become available, a number of peer-reviewed scientific articles and special publications will also appear in FIGO’s specialist global publication, the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (IJGO). Our project on misoprostol has allowed us to ask, and try to answer, such provocative questions as: • How can we use the potential of misoprostol for treatment as well as for prevention of PPH? • Since some women will develop excessive post-partum bleeding no matter what prophylactic they are given, how can we encourage health systems to plan treatment strategies at the same time as they are being urged to develop prevention programmes? • Can misoprostol be used for both prevention and treatment in the same woman? • Is it easier and more cost-effective to use oxytocin in Uniject or misoprostol for prevention in community-based programmes? • Can women be given misoprostol to self-administer for prevention of PPH in home births? What do you find most satisfying and challenging about your work? It is extremely gratifying to see the blossoming of collaborations and to be able to join with likeminded colleagues in projects that create change. An exhilarating part of Gynuity’s work is the opportunity to follow creative leads in research on women’s health. We push ourselves to look for new ways to provide services and new technologies to incorporate in them. We aim to develop safe and effective, affordable, acceptable technologies that are delivered in a womanfriendly way, and enhance the autonomy and well-being of each person. Our collaboration with FIGO is particularly precious to us for its potential to have real impact on women’s lives. By mustering the power of the ob/gyn community in support of new ways to attend to women having babies, especially in the poorest and most underserved areas of the world, our research becomes meaningful. We are very grateful for the opportunity. For more information on Gynuity’s activities, visit www.gynuity.org International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:43 Page 5 Beijing welcomes FIGO for 2012 Executive Board Meeting The 2012 FIGO Executive Board Meeting was held at the Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing Hotel, Beijing, China in May 2012, in conjunction with the Chinese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CSOG) and supported by the Beijing Royal Integrative Medicine Hospital. Chief Executive Hamid Rushwan said: ‘FIGO would like to thank its Chinese hosts – most especially CSOG’s President Dr Jinghe Lang, and Former President Dr Zeyi Cao – for a superbly organised meeting and the accompanying excellent hospitality which was greatly appreciated. The event was a valuable opportunity for FIGO officials to “touch base” with our esteemed Chinese colleagues, and to familiarise ourselves with current obstetrical and gynecological issues in this fascinating part of the world. ‘Thanks are also due to the FIGO Secretariat staff – Bryan Thomas and Marie-Christine Szatybelko – for their usual excellent handling of all Board Meeting arrangements.’ seminars, and to CSOG for its tremendous contribution in helping us to run the events so smoothly and successfully.’ Seeing the Chinese picture A briefing session on the state of women’s health in China and, in particular, maternal and newborn health, was held during the trip. Representatives of CSOG, the Ministry of Health and a number of international organisations were invited to present an overview of women’s health to the Executive Board meeting participants. FIGO seminar speakers in Chengdu encompassed the broad spectrum of global women’s health issues, outlining FIGO’s activities in various countries. These activities formed the basis of the seminars’ educational topics, drawing on the rich experience of our Committees and Working Groups. ‘Lecture topics included maternal mortality, postpartum haemorrhage, unsafe abortion, obstetric fistula, cancer prevention, ethics problems and women’s sexual rights, and speakers comprised the Chairs of FIGO’s Committees and Working Groups, as well as Board Members. ‘It is always important that the host country plays a vibrant and significant role in the development of these popular seminars, so the programme is traditionally completed with the contribution of its speakers and topics. China focused on its issues of maternal mortality, early diagnosis of cancer, and preservation of fertility.’ Executive Board 2012 FIGO President Gamal Serour with the Minister of Health FIGO field visit: focus on Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital A visit to the well-regarded Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital took place during the trip: founded in 1959, it is the largest obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Beijing, and highly advanced in perinatology and women’s reproductive health. It is also notable for serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) research and training centre for women’s health in China. Executive Board in session Seminar participants He added: ‘We are pleased to report that attendance was superb – more than 700 students in Beijing and 300 in Chengdu – with plenty of discussion and participation among both students and speakers. We performed the same anonymous multiple choice test questions before and after the seminar, and the results were similar in both: a 40 per cent increase in correct answers, which truly reflected the positive impact of these events.’ Chief Executive Professor Hamid Rushwan (right) with hospital staff FIGO Administrative Director Bryan Thomas (left) and FIGO Senior Administrator and Committee Manager Marie-Christine Szatybelko with colleague Yonggang Shang A number of valuable related activities took place alongside the main Executive Board business: Women’s Health: Contemporary Challenges FIGO President-Elect Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran (centre) views facilities The FIGO Committee for Capacity Building in Education and Training organises the now traditional educational seminar during the period of the Executive Board Meeting. In China, two events were held, one in Beijing and one in Chengdu, under a common theme: Women’s Health: Contemporary Challenges. Professor Luis Cabero-Roura, Committee Chair, explained: ‘The seminar programme – starting with a lecture from the FIGO President – Chief Executive Hamid Rushwan commented: ‘This valuable visit provided FIGO with an excellent overview of the state of current maternal and newborn healthcare in China. ‘It was clear from our tour of the hospital that medical professionals have been trained to rigorous standards: we were greatly impressed with their calibre and dedication, and the subsequent high quality robust care provided to mothers and babies.’ President Gamal Serour (right) with CSOG’s Former President Dr Zeyi Cao He ended: ‘FIGO – in particular, the Committee for Capacity Building in Education and Training – wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the speakers who generously participated in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 5 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:43 Page 6 SAVING MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS INITIATIVE Looking back; moving forward (2006–2011, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – www.sida.se – and FIGO) FIGO’s recently concluded Saving Mothers and Newborns Initiative resulted in great challenges and opportunities for low- and middle-resource countries in their quest to make a tangible difference in the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, and to the achievement of MDG goals 4 and 5,’ said Dr André Lalonde, Project Director, and Chair of the FIGO Committee for Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health. L–R: Dr André Lalonde, Chair FIGO SMNH Committee; Mr José Mujica, President Of Uruguay; Economist Daniel Olesker, Minister of Health; Leonel Briozzo, director of project, Sub Secretario de Salud Pública Peru training objectives: to strengthen the capacity of national professional associations to engage in maternal and newborn health through the design and implementation of projects, and to strengthen cooperation between FIGO and national societies, and between societies in regions of differing economic levels. ‘Further secondary aims were to strengthen the co-operation between national societies and the national stakeholders involved in safe motherhood and newborn health, and to increase the credibility of national societies locally to provide technical support to Ministries of Health (MoH) and national professional councils. ‘Each project focused on identified needs within each country and resulted in varied approaches and targets, ranging from clinical training, protocol development, and implementation of clinical audit through to legislative and policy change.’ Rising to the challenge Women and children, Uganda Explaining the challenges (Kenya project) Laying the groundwork He continued: ‘The Committee worked with associations of obstetricians, gynecologists and midwives in 10 low- and middle-resource countries between 2006 and 2011, with contributions from professional associations in high-resource countries through a structured north-south mentoring programme. Pakistan medical camp ‘The countries involved were: Haiti, Kenya, Kosovo, Moldova, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Uganda, Ukraine and Uruguay. ‘The main goal - that of contributing to the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality to help achieve MDGs 4 and 5 – was complemented by critically important secondary 6 Dr Lalonde explained: ‘From the very start, the challenges were immense, but the project elicited tremendous enthusiasm in reacting to the needs of pregnant women in the countries involved. ‘Some concrete examples of success: the Uruguay project – how to manage unsafe abortion in a country with very restrictive laws – is a model for many countries. The Haiti project responded to an enormous humanitarian disaster [a severe earthquake] through making the project maternity centre one of the few maternities in Port au Prince able to offer essential obstetrical care, thus preventing hundreds of maternal deaths. The Kenya project instituted clinical audits and mobilised the healthcare professionals (HCPs) to provide better care. The Pakistan project recruited and trained local women to provide essential obstetrical care. ‘Each project was indeed unique and, despite presenting huge administrative challenges, succeeded in mobilising HCPs – for many, this was the first time that there had been a direct response to the needs of safe motherhood and newborn care in their countries outside of their clinical practices. A significant outcome ‘We are delighted to report that significant and largely sustainable results were achieved, particularly in relation to the relatively small-scale funding available, and this resulted in direct improvements to maternal and newborn health outcomes. The capacity of both FIGO and national professional associations was also substantially strengthened in project design, management, and implementation, leading to opportunities to support international development efforts in the future. ‘One of the most notable achievements was the provision of clinical training to more than 2,000 health professionals, including traditional birth attendants, midwives, doctors, and obstetricians. ‘The SMNH Committee played no small part in the success of this enterprise – Committee members in different regions were tasked with troubleshooting difficulties, therefore providing a cost-effective solution to problem-solving.’ Dr Lalonde concluded: ‘All programme directors are scheduled to present their results at a halfday seminar at the FIGO World Congress, and a booklet will also be produced and made available on www.figo.org’ Full reports on the project’s activities (including the individual country reports) are available on this section of the FIGO website: http://www.figo.org/projects/newborns The project in focus Selected achievements Haiti ‘Strengthening the health center of Croix des Bouquets’ Primary health clinic transformed into functioning hospital; ambulance purchased and on-call driver contracted Kenya ‘Improving quality of prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care through clinical audit’ Update of clinical audit extended beyond maternity into general surgery Kosovo ‘Reduction of maternal and newborn mortality’ First set of national standards developed by a clinical body produced by national association and approved by the MoH Moldova ‘Beyond the numbers - implementation of new approaches in reviewing perinatal deaths’ National registration of all perinatal deaths Nigeria ‘Saving mothers and newborns in Edo, Amambra, and Kaduna States’ Magnesium sulphate supplied to all state hospitals by Kaduna State Government; its cost reduced by manufacturers Pakistan ‘Community-based interventions to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in rural Sindh’ Training local women as midwives; renovations led to functioning operating theatre Peru ‘Improving obstetric and neonatal emergency care in Morropón Chulucanas Health Network, Piura’ Emergency Obstetric Care (EOC) and Comprehensive Essential Obstetric Care (CEOC) in rural mountain area audits Uganda ‘Reduction of maternal and newborn mortality’ Paradigm shift in professional organisational thinking led to collaborative working with non-health community staff to achieve improved health outcomes for rural women Ukraine ‘EmOC improvement by advances in labor and risk management (ALARM) international program (AIP)’ Reduction in inappropriate clinical interventions during delivery Uruguay ‘To protect the life and health of Uruguayan women by reducing unsafe abortions’ Policy and legislative change; Presidential support for the project; creation of a sexual and reproductive health department within the MoH (headed by project director) International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:44 Page 7 Dr André Lalonde receives Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal Dr Lalonde continues his commitment to reducing maternal mortality in low-resource countries and especially the prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). More recently, he led the Committee in developing FIGO PPH Guidelines. He is seen below with the Minister of International Cooperation, Ms Beverley J Oda, at a ceremony in Ottawa. She complimented Dr Lalonde on his illustrious career and on how he ‘makes Canada proud’. A selection of Dr Lalonde’s achievements: Dr Lalonde receiving his medal from the Minister On 21 June 2012 Dr André Lalonde, Chair of the FIGO Committee for Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health, received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for his contribution to women’s health in Canada and around the world. • Leading the ground-breaking multi-disciplinary Collaborative Primary Maternity Care Project. This enabled nurses, midwives, family physicians and obstetricians to work together effectively to ensure appropriate care. • Pioneering a worldwide Maternal Risk Management programme to address maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. The ALARM International programme has been piloted and used in over 20 low-resource countries with great success. • Co-authoring Postpartum Hemorrhage Today, the definitive textbook on the subject. • The LaSalle General Hospital in Montreal, where Dr Lalonde was Head of Obstetrics, recognised his dedication and named the obstetric wing the ‘Lalonde Birthing Unit’. FIGO Chair highlights importance of new PPH Guidelines For many years, Dr Lalonde has been active in FIGO’s worldwide campaign to prevent PPH, promoting non-invasive treatments to prevent this devastating condition. He commented: ‘The FIGO Committee for Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health has completed a full review of the physiology of the Third Stage of Labour, and prevention and management of PPH in low-resource countries. FIGO’s recently published Guidelines [available at http://www.figo.org/publications/PPH_G uidelines], in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, are not only evidence-based, but include important clinical information to help all healthcare professionals to tackle this huge problem.’ He added: ‘The central recommendation is that all women should be offered an oxytocic drug at delivery. It also calls for community availability of trained personnel in midwifery care, as well as supply of misoprostol [see page 9] where oxytocin is not available. ‘In particular, there are discussions on the cascade of medical and surgical treatment of PPH, and recommendations on the use of uterine tamponade and the anti-shock garment [NSAG]. ‘The Guidelines offer a logical approach, and downloadable schemas that can be reproduced and used as posters in delivery rooms.’ He ended: ‘Medical societies should pressure all governments to supply necessary drugs and equipment to prevent and treat PPH, and therefore help to reduce maternal mortality.’ Global review presents key interventions for RMNCH The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), together with WHO, Aga Khan University and other partners, have produced, following consultations with a broad range of experts, a consensus document: Essential Interventions, Commodities and Guidelines for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH). The document – the product of extensive research and consultation – can be accessed at: http://www.who.int/pmnch/topics/part_publications/201112_ essential_interventions/en/index1.html The document provides information on key selected survival interventions that should be made available to women and children, as well as information on the type of professional health worker required for their delivery, key commodities required, and corresponding available guidelines. Its aim is to support policy makers and RMNCH advocates and programme implementers in the development of guidelines, policies and programmes to improve the health of women and children. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics FIGO House Waterloo Court 10 Theed Street London SE1 8ST, UK Tel: +44 20 7928 1166 Fax: +44 20 7928 7099 Email: [email protected] President-Elect: Sabaratnam Arulkumaran (UK) Administrative Director: Bryan Thomas Past-President: Dorothy Shaw (Canada) Readers are invited to send all comments, articles and reports (by email to [email protected] or on disk) to the FIGO Secretariat no later than 20 October 2012 for the next issue. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics is a UK Registered Charity (No 1113263; Company No 5498067) registered in England and Wales. The Registered Office is shown above. Honorary Secretary: Ian Fraser (Australia) President: Gamal Serour (Egypt) Chief Executive: Hamid Rushwan Vice President: Takeshi Maruo (Japan) Honorary Treasurer: Wolfgang Holzgreve (Switzerland) International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 The views expressed in articles in the FIGO Newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official viewpoint of FIGO. Produced and edited by the FIGO Secretariat © FIGO 2012. 7 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:44 Page 8 FIGO IN THE FIELD… Latest from the LOGIC Initiative Saving the lives of mothers through facility-based Maternal Death and Near Miss Reviews in Ethiopia The Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) has – through the support of the FIGO LOGIC Initiative (Leadership in Obstetrics & Gynaecology for Impact and Change) in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) – been working with the Ethiopian Government and other partners to introduce facility-based Maternal Death Reviews (MDRs) and Near Miss Reviews (NMRs) in eight public hospitals in Ethiopia. This has been done as part of national efforts in Ethiopia to achieve Millennium Development Goal 5 to improve reproductive and maternal health. The maternal mortality in Ethiopia is 676 per 100,000 live births (Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey 2011). It is possible to prevent most maternal deaths and disabilities with known and effective interventions, but this requires the right kind of information on why women are dying or facing lifelong disabilities. It is not enough to have information on the overall levels of maternal mortality and morbidity – health policy makers and practitioners need to understand the underlying factors to be able to prevent future deaths and disabilities. A facility-based MDR is a ‘qualitative, in-depth investigation of the causes of and circumstances surrounding maternal deaths’ in health facilities, while a NMR is the ‘identification and assessment of cases in which pregnant women survive obstetric complications’ (Lewis, 20031 p. 33). The lessons learned from MDRs/NMRs lead to recommendations for improvements in care to prevent future deaths and disabilities. It is not a process for handing out blame or shame, but exists to identify and learn lessons to help ensure that mothers are healthy in the future. ESOG has implemented facility-based MDRs and NMRs at eight public hospitals in four regions of Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia and SNNPR) since 2011. It has successfully been working with the public health facilities to ensure staff ownership of the process. The fact that hospital staff have not been reluctant to report maternal deaths or near misses, nor have they feared punitive action, is a credit to the successful management of the implementation of MDRs/NMRs by ESOG. The data has been collected by multi-disciplinary hospital committees by using structured and standard MDR/NMR tools. The near-miss definition was based on validated disease-specific criteria. ESOG has conducted primary analysis of facility-based MDR/NMR data between May and October 2011 from eight hospitals to find out the causes and circumstances surrounding maternal mortality and morbidity. During this period there were 119 maternal deaths and 989 near miss cases out of a total of 9,712 women giving birth. This represents a maternal mortality rate of 1318/100,000 live births. 1.2 per cent of the total facility-based deliveries result in maternal deaths. The ratio of maternal death to near miss is nearly 1:9. The leading causes of maternal deaths and near misses were: preeclampsia/eclampsia (29 per cent); obstetric haemorrhage (16 per cent); and uterine rupture (13 per cent). Nearly 52.8 per cent of deliveries were attended at home and phase I delay (delay in decision to seek care) contributed to about 25 per cent of maternal deaths and near misses in the health facilities. ESOG has also found that the MDRs/NMRs provide a good learning experience for staff if the reviews are done in a participatory manner, using a team approach. The MDRs/NMRs have resulted in change in clinical practice within the health facilities. For example, as a result of the MDR/NMR process, the hospital at Debre Berhan has reported many improvements, including increased use of the partogram from 48 per cent to 85 per cent; increased and appropriate administration of magnesium sulphate; and better adherence to protocols and increased availability of drugs. The hospital is also working towards acquiring ambulance transport and setting up a ‘mini’ blood bank. The successful implementation of MDRs/NMRs requires strong partnership between the Government, including the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and regional health authorities, and other partners, including UN agencies and major bilateral donors. ESOG has throughout this process been working very closely with the Ethiopian Government as well as other partners. Incorporating facility-based MDRs/NMRs into the routine national maternal health programme is key in finding out the causes and circumstances surrounding maternal deaths and near misses, so that improvements in care can be implemented thereby preventing future deaths and disabilities. The FMoH is currently working to standardise the ESOG-initiated MDR/NMR tools and practice with the aim to incorporate this into the routine national programmes. This article was prepared with the assistance of Dr Yirgu Gebrehiwot, ESOG President, Birukkidus Tekleselassie, Project Manager, FIGO-LOGIC Initiative in MNH, and Selamawit Kifle, ESOG General Manager. 1 Lewis, Gwyneth, 2003. ‘Beyond the Numbers: reviewing maternal deaths and complications to make pregnancy safer”, British Medical Bulletin 2003; 67: 27–37, The British Council, 2003. MDR Workshop, Addis Ababa, 23 June 2012: L–R (left hand table): Dr Segun Adeoye, Dr Fred Achem, Dr Chris Agboghoroma; L–R (right-hand table): includes Professor Robert Leke, Dr Philip Nana, Dr Jolly Beyeza and Dr Daniel Murokora FIGO LOGIC support for MDRs and NMRs FIGO LOGIC, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is working with eight FIGO Member Associations (MAs), internationally renowned Maternal Death Review (MDR) experts, and other partners to influence and improve the use of maternal death notification systems and/or MDRs in eight countries in Africa (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Uganda) and South Asia (India and Nepal). The FIGO MAs taking part in the FIGO LOGIC Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) are working closely with Ministries of Health, relevant health authorities, hospital management in selected hospitals as well as other partners such as multilateral institutions to implement MDRs, and in some cases Near Miss Reviews (NMRs) and Maternal and Perinatal Death Reviews (MPDRs). The aim is to implement MDRs/NMRs in line with international standards and as outlined in the World Health Organization publication: ‘Beyond the Numbers – Reviewing maternal deaths and complications to make pregnancy safer’ (2004). FIGO LOGIC is working towards contributing to nationally, sustainable MDR/NMR processes over the longer-term with the aim of helping to improve maternal health services and preventing future maternal deaths and disabilities. Gynecologists and obstetricians, together with other health care professionals, have an important role to play in improving MNH policy and clinical practice, including through the implementation of findings and recommendations coming out of MDR and NMR processes. The following FIGO MAs are participating in the FIGO LOGIC Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health: Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Burkina Faso (SOGOB); Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon (SOGOC); Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG); The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI); Associação Moçambicana de Obstetras e Ginecologistas (AMOG); Nepal Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NESOG); Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON); Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU). 8 David Taylor, FIGO LOGIC Project Director Dr Yirgu Gebrehiwot, ESOG President Birukkidus Tekleselassie, Project Manager (ESOG), FIGO-LOGIC Initiative in MNH International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:44 Page 9 Misoprostol and PPH: high profile at Rome 2012 – an update on the Misoprostol for PostPartum Haemorrhage (PPH) in Low Resource Settings Initiative In October 2012 Rome will provide the setting for FIGO’s XX World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, an important triennial event attracting leading experts in women’s health and rights from around the world. The Scientific Programme includes two FIGO-sponsored expert panel sessions, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday 10 October 2012, that will focus on the prevention and treatment of PPH with misoprostol. PANEL 1 – Misoprostol for the Prevention and Treatment of Post-Partum Haemorrhage: The Clinical Evidence & International Recommendations Session Moderator: Zarko Alfirevic (University of Liverpool) Name of Presenter and Title of Presentation 1. Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran (FIGO) – The Global Challenge of PPH and New FIGO Guidelines on the Prevention and Treatment of PPH with Misoprostol 2. Metin A Gülmezoglu (WHO) – The World Health Organization Recommendations on PPH 3. Wilfrido León (Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora) – Sublingual Misoprostol for Treatment of PPH: Dose and Side Effects 4. Rasha Dabash (Gynuity Health Projects) – Programmatic Implications of Current Strategies and New Approaches to Integrating Misoprostol for PPH Management 5. Beverly Winikoff (Gynuity Health Projects) – Why Misoprostol Matters PANEL 2 – Misoprostol for the Prevention and Treatment of Post-Partum Haemorrhage: Innovative Country Approaches in Low-Resource Settings Session Moderator: Jeffrey Smith (Jhpiego) Name of Presenter and Title of Presentation 1. Jennifer Blum (Gynuity Health Projects) – Misoprostol: A Proven Technology for Prevention and Treatment of PPH – Overview of the Clinical Evidence 2. Swaraj Rajbhandari (Senior Public Health Specialist) – Scale-up of Misoprostol for PPH Prevention at the Country Level: Nepal 3. Andrew Weeks (University of Liverpool) – Community-Based Use of Misoprostol for PPH Prevention: Snapshot from a Pilot Study in Uganda Documenting SelfAdministration of Misoprostol in a Home Delivery Setting 4. Susan Mukasa (Population Services International / PACE-Uganda) – Community-Based Distribution Models for Rolling Out Misoprostol for PPH Prevention: Experience and Lessons Learned from Uganda and Tanzania 5. Shafiq Mirzazada (Aga Khan Health Services, Afghanistan) – Misoprostol for the Treatment of PPH Following its Use for Prevention (Afghanistan & Pakistan) FIGO symposium success at RCOG Congress A FIGO Symposium attracted over 300 delegates who had gathered in Sarawak, Malaysia, in June 2012, to take part in the 10th Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ (RCOG)International Scientific Congress. FIGO’s Chief Executive, Professor L–R: Holly Anger (USA); Clare Waite (UK); Professor Hamid Rushwan (UK); Professor Emad Darwish (Egypt); Dr Alka Barua (India); Swaraj Rajbhandari (Nepal); and Dr Nadeem Hamid Rushwan, Zuberi (Pakistan) moderated the Symposium, which focused on the evidence around the prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage with misoprostol. Dr Nadeem Zuberi (Aga Khan University, Pakistan) opened by reviewing studies on the efficacy and safety of 600mcg oral misoprostol to prevent PPH in community-based settings, including when administered by trained traditional birth attendants during home deliveries in Pakistan (Mobeen et al. 2010). Professor Emad Darwish (University of Alexandria, Egypt) followed by discussing two large multi-site studies that review the efficacy of misoprostol 800mcg sublingual compared to 40 IU IV oxytocin for treatment of PPH in hospitals where oxytocin prophylaxis is provided during the third stage of labour and in others where it is not provided (Winikoff et al. 2010; Blum et al. 2010). Dr Alka Barua (Public Health Consultant, India) continued by presenting an analysis of a pilot study that sought to understand better the relationship between misoprostol dose and occurrence of elevated body temperature (≥40°C), using a lower dose of sublingual misoprostol for the treatment of PPH, among one population in Ecuador where an unexpectedly high rate of fever had previously been recorded (Durocher et al. 2010). Holly Anger (Gynuity Health Projects, USA) looked at alternative strategies for managing PPH, focusing her presentation on a ‘secondary prevention’ study currently underway that bridges PPH prevention and treatment strategies, whereby a safe and effective treatment dose of misoprostol (800 mcg sublingual) is selectively administered to women, such as those who bleed 350 mL (less than accepted definitions of PPH). ‘Secondary prevention’ would medicate fewer women, could improve acceptability, may be more cost-effective compared to universal prophylaxis, and may alleviate fears of delayed time to transfer associated with a treatment-only approach. The Symposium was rounded off by a presentation from Swaraj Rajbhandari (Senior Public Health Specialist, Nepal) who discussed a government-approved expansion programme of community-based distribution of misoprostol for PPH prevention across 28 districts of Nepal, and reviewed the findings from a pilot study, conducted in the Banke district, which established that misoprostol distribution, given to pregnant women to self-administer at the time of their delivery as a prophylaxis, can be successfully implemented under government health services in a low-resource and geographically challenging setting (Rajbhandari et al. 2010). United Nations High-Level Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children A report, UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities for Women and Children: Country Case Studies, developed by the Maternal Health Task Force was made public in May 2012. It focuses on three maternal health commodities – oxytocin, misoprostol and magnesium sulphate – in six countries that carry a high burden of maternal mortality: Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. It highlights barriers to access as well as innovations and best practices for expanding the availability of the three agents in low resource countries, and was completed on behalf of the UN Commission on Life-Saving Commodities, launched in March 2012 to increase access to 13 life-saving medicines and health supplies for the world’s most vulnerable people. The Commission will issue its recommendations at the UN General Assembly in September 2012. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 Misoprostol: What does FIGO recommend? PPH Prevention: FIGO recommends a single dose of 600mcg misoprostol administered orally immediately after delivery of the newborn and after it is established that there are no additional babies in utero. PPH Treatment: FIGO recommends a single dose of 800mcg misoprostol, administered sublingually immediately after PPH is diagnosed and if 40 IU IV oxytocin is not immediately available (irrespective of the prophylactic measures). Extracts from FIGO Guidelines that focus on the prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage with misoprostol, scheduled for publication in 2012 9 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:44 Page 10 FIGO puts finishing touches to World Congress 2012! www.figo2012.org After three years of intensive preparations, FIGO’s World Congress finally opens for business on 7 October 2012! Professor Hamid Rushwan, FIGO’s Chief Executive, commented: ‘Visitors will be treated to a superlative Scientific Programme, ably overseen by Professor William Dunlop, Chair of the FIGO 2012 Scientific Programme Committee.’ He added: ‘The programme explores current developments in the areas of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Oncology, Urogynecology and Sexual and Reproductive Health, as well as the very critical practical implications of providing healthcare to women in high- and low-resource settings. The Programme Committee comprises representatives of international subspecialty organisations and also the Chairs of FIGO’s Committees and Working Groups to ensure upto-the minute information on current global developments. ‘Over 1700 abstracts have been accepted for oral or poster presentation – as a result of this tremendous global interest, the Congress is on track to provide a major opportunity for the exchange of ideas between all cadres of healthcare professionals and other stakeholders across the world.’ Programme highlights include • LIVE SURGERY SESSIONS – transmitted from European hospitals • NEW CLINICAL GUIDELINES – presented by representatives of FIGO, WHO and other global NGOs • SPECIAL SESSIONS ON INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES’ EXPERIENCES – presented by national and international ob/gyn societies A Scientific Programme is now online: visit http://www.figo2012.org/ scientific-programme/ for a full overview. FIGO eases travel to Rome Congress FIGO has made plans to ease the travel of participants from the city to the Congress venue (Fiera di Roma) and back. On registration, participants will receive a free travel card for use on public transport to be utilised throughout the Congress, which will be included in their delegate packs. Please access this link for full details of how to travel to the venue: http://www.figo2012.org/ public-transportation/ (a Rome metro and city railways map). Opening and Closing Ceremonies Sunday 7 October 2012 The official inauguration of the XX FIGO World Congress will take place at Fiera di Roma on Sunday 7 October 2012 (6.00–7.30pm). A reception will be held in the same location after the Ceremony. Friday, 12 October 2012 The Closing Ceremony will take place at Fiera di Roma on Friday 12 October 2012 (12.30–1.30pm). The Ceremony will mark the close of the Congress and inauguration of the incoming FIGO President Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran. Vancouver, Canada will be presented as the host city of the XXI FIGO Congress in 2015. Register before 31 August 2012 to take advantage of ‘regular registration’! Tipology Congress Congress Congress Pre-Congress courses Pre-Congress courses Pre-Congress courses Pre-Congress courses Pre-Congress courses Pre-Congress courses Pre-Congress courses Registration fee Euro Category To 31 Aug 2012 From 01 Sept 2012 to 15 Sept 2012 From 06 Oct 2012 onward Course 1: Basic course on ultrasound Course 2: Diabetes and pregnancy in low-resource countries Course 3: Postpartum haemorrhage Course 4: Basic course on endoscopy Course 5: Basic course on colposcopy Course 6: The FIGO Fertility Tool Box™ Course 7: The Global Obstetrics Network (GONet) 850 950 950 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 regular registration late registration on site registration regular registration regular registration regular registration regular registration regular registration regular registration regular registration FIGO joins the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition FIGO is delighted to announce that it has recently become a member of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, ‘a global partnership of public, private, and non-governmental organisations dedicated to ensuring that all people in low- and middleincome countries can access and use affordable, high-quality supplies to ensure their better reproductive health’. 10 The Coalition brings together multilateral and bilateral organisations, private foundations, governments, civil society, and private-sector representatives that play critical roles in providing contraceptives and other reproductive health supplies. John P Skibiak, Director, Coalition Secretariat, commented: ‘It’s an honour and privilege to welcome FIGO on board the Coalition’s membership. FIGO is built on the power of partnership, just as the Coalition is; its work for the wellbeing of women dovetails perfectly with our own commitment to provide all women with a choice of safe, modern contraception. I look forward to a long and John P Skibiak productive relationship with our newest – and 200th – member.’ For detailed information on the Coalition’s work, please visit: http://www.rhsupplies.org/about-us.html International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics | August 2012 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:44 Page 11 Are you missing out on key articles? International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 2012 subscriptions are just $80 for members of FIGO national societies! See www.ijgo.org/pricing for more information and to subscribe online This journal publishes articles on all aspects of basic and clinical research in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology and related subjects, with special emphasis on matters of worldwide interest. The Journal is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). It features: Editorials t Articles t Case Reports t Brief Communications t International Calendar t SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines t Review Articles t and sections on, Contemporary Issues in Women’s Health; Averting Maternal Death and Disability; and Surgery and Technology. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics also: t IBT POMJOF submission at http://ees.elsevier.com/ijg t *NQBDU 'BDUPS OPX t QVCMJTIFT JTTVFT B ZFBS t IBT IJHI JOUFSOBUJPOBM WJTJCJMJUZ o 0WFS BSUJDMFT EPXOMPBET JO 4DJFODF%JSFDU JO o 5IBUT BMNPTU POF B NJOVUF t "OE NPSF UIBO QBHFT WJFXT PO www.ijgo.org Remember 2012 subscriptions are just $80 for members of FIGO national societies. See www.ijgo.org/pricing to subscribe online 10660:Layout 1 10/8/12 12:44 Page 12 Organised by 7th - 12th October 2012 fiera di Roma Rome, Italy INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS www.figo2012.org
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