The Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) concluded its 28th Annual Conference which has been underway for two days beginning February 17, 2020, at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa. As the tradition at ESOG dictates the annual conference was preceded with a series of CME courses that were being held at the Ethiopian Public Health Institutes (EPHI) on Saturday and Sunday, February 15 & 16, 2020. There were also hands-on training at Black Lion Specilaized Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College.
Themed- Emerging Issues in Reproductive Health Rights: Opportunities and Challenges, the event brought together hundreds of members and partners, government officials and other interested individuals and groups. There were two-panel sessions: one on the theme of the conference, which was conducted on the first day and the other on- Challenges in the Management of Sexual Assault Survivors: Perspectives from Providers, Legal Advisors, and Clients, which was underway on the second day.
The highlight of the annual conference on the first day is perhaps the award ceremony that recognized individuals and organizations. Dr. Solomon Kumbi, one of the most senior gynecologists and founding fathers of ESOG was given a lifetime achievement award. Mrs. Mamitu Gashe, whose personal story and contributions at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital took many by surprise, won ESOG’s Distinguished Service Award and ESOG’s Honorary Membership Award. This year ESOG’s Award of Honor for institutions went to the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association to recognize the remarkable initiatives in promoting, protecting and improving sexual and reproductive health rights of Ethiopian women.
In a new trend started last year, ESOG has also awarded the best poster and oral presentations on the scientific session that was conducted on the second day of the conference. Negus Bililign has won ESOG’s oral presentation award while Moges Agazhe took an award for the best poster presentation.
