ESOG News

Leadership Transition Marks the Conclusion of the 32nd Annual Conference ESOG

The curtains drew on the 32nd Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG), leaving a trail of insightful discussions and groundbreaking revelations in the realm of women's healthcare. The conference, held at the esteemed Inter Luxury Hotel, featured dynamic sessions on leadership, research, and advancements in maternal and reproductive health.

The opening ceremony set the stage with distinguished speakers, including Dr. Abdulfetah Abdulkadir, President of ESOG, Professor Anne Kihara, President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and Honorable Dr. Ayele Teshome, State Minister of Health, emphasized the pivotal role of leadership in shaping better maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

A panel session chaired by Dr. Malede Birara delved into the theme of "Leadership in Women’s Health towards reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality." Esteemed speakers discussed perspectives, success stories, and challenges, emphasizing the need for effective leadership development, gender equity, advocacy, and communication.

Industry-sponsored sessions brought cutting-edge insights, including an overview of the FIGO LDI REACH Program by Dr. Gelane Lelissa and discussions on innovative medical imaging solutions. These sessions showcased advancements in technology and research initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.

During the annual business meeting, members reviewed the ESOG's activities for 2023, outlined plans and budgets for 2024, and addressed critical governance issues. Notable agenda items included discussions on medico-legal issues, organizational restructuring, and the election of a new executive board.

In a significant development, ESOG announced its new leadership team. Dr. Hailemariam Segni has been elected as the next president, succeeding Dr. Abdulfetah Abdulkadir. Prof. Demisew Amenu assumes the role of vice president, and Dr. Mariamawit Asfaw takes on the position of Honorary Secretary. The board retains the expertise of Dr. Gelane Lelisa and Dr. Ethiopia Kumlachew, while welcoming new members, Dr. Meseret Ansa and Dr. Zerai Kassaye.

This transition signifies ESOG's commitment to fostering leadership and excellence in obstetrics and gynecology. The new board is poised to steer the society towards further advancements in women's healthcare and contribute to the overall growth and development of the organization.

As the newly elected board assumes their responsibilities, they carry with them the trust and confidence of the ESOG members, eager to collaboratively work towards achieving the society's goals. Their leadership and vision will undoubtedly shape the future direction of ESOG, ensuring it remains at the forefront of women's healthcare advocacy and innovation in Ethiopia.

The conference concluded with the highly anticipated Dr. Solomon Kumbi Memorial Lecture, delivered by Prof. Yemane Berhane, Director of the Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, focusing on leadership approaches to improve women’s health. The event wrapped up with a vibrant cocktail reception, providing attendees with an opportunity to network and celebrate the successes of the conference.

ESOG Delivers Medical Supplies to Tigray Regional Health Bureau

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The Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) conducted a field visit to Mekelle on January 16 & 17, 2024. The mission of the visit was to participate in the Safe Motherhood Month celebration organized by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and deliver essential medical supplies to the Tigray Reginal Health Bureau, with the ultimate goal of rejuvenating and fortifying the region's health system.

Despite unforeseen challenges, ESOG successfully delivered a feto-maternal monitor, an examination bed, and other necessary supplies to the Tigray Regional Health Bureau. This gesture is part of a broader initiative aimed at rebuilding the health infrastructure in Tigray.

During the visit, productive discussions took place with Dr. Amanuel Haile, the head of Tigray's Regional Health Bureau, and a senior Ob-Gyn resident. The dialogue underscored the urgent need for sustained support to restore the health system to its full capacity Both the resident and the health bureau chief emphasized the challenges faced by various health facilities in Tigray, such as non-functional ultrasound equipment in the maternal emergency room, the absence of an oncology subspecialty, and shortages in long-acting family planning supplies, among many others.

Further discussions with ESOG members highlighted several key points, including the potential for featuring research studies from residents in the upcoming annual conference, organizing training sessions on manuscript development and grant writing, and addressing the absence of oncology subspecialists through collaborative initiatives with esteemed institutions, among other areas.

Strengthening Reproductive Health Services: Training in Ambo for ESOG Project

Training_at_Ambo.jpgThe Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) conducted a comprehensive training program for 35 healthcare workers from various health facilities in the West Shewa zone of the Oromia region. The three-day training, held from November 25th to 27th, 2023 in Ambo Town, focused on integrating family planning methods with Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC), HIV, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services.

The training aimed to equip healthcare workers with the latest global trends, definitions, and approaches in integrating family planning services with CAC, HIV, and MCH services. Facilitated by experts in the field, the sessions covered topics ranging from the overview of reproductive health and rights in the Ethiopian context to specific aspects like emergency contraception, post-abortion and post-partum family planning, and family planning for HIV-positive clients.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions on counseling in family planning, gaining insights into effective communication strategies to address the diverse needs of their communities. The training fostered an environment of shared knowledge and expertise, setting the stage for future implementation of integrated services in their respective health facilities.

The training program falls under the broader initiative led by ESOG, funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The project, titled "Advocate for and Institutionalize Activities to Protect the Quality of Family Planning and Comprehensive Abortion Care Services in Ethiopia," spans 24 months from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025.

ESOG, a trusted partner working closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, has been dedicated to strengthening capacity and quality improvement in reproductive health services over the past seven years. The current project addresses critical challenges in sexual and reproductive health, particularly focusing on safe abortion and family planning care programs.

The multifaceted approach involves engaging policymakers, media professionals, and civil society organizations to build a supportive environment for abortion and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). By reducing stigma and discrimination, the project seeks to enhance the competence of healthcare providers and increase client satisfaction.

As the training in Ambo concludes, the participants return to their health facilities armed with not only new knowledge but also a renewed commitment to championing the cause of comprehensive reproductive health services. The ESOG project, with its ambitious objectives and strategic activities, marks a crucial step towards creating sustainable change in the landscape of reproductive healthcare in Ethiopia.

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