The XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics is set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from October 5 to October 9, 2025. This landmark event is anticipated to draw over 5,000 delegates from around the globe, marking the first FIGO Congress held in Africa since 2009. Aimed at uniting professionals invested in women’s health, the congress promises to foster deep collaboration and enhance learning opportunities within the field.
Theme and Objectives
The congress, under the theme "Uniting for Women’s Health and Freedom," reflects the growing global commitment to addressing women’s and girls’ health issues. Organizers aim to celebrate the progress made in women’s health and develop strategic partnerships that can enhance patient health outcomes. According to Professor Kihara Anne-Beatrice, FIGO President (2023-2025), the event is an opportunity to transition from a global to local focus in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), considering the specific needs of different countries.
Scientific Program Highlights
The program is expected to include contributions from over 500 experts who will discuss a variety of pressing issues. Key themes will encompass:
Maternal and Newborn Health: The focus will be on respectful care, efforts to reduce preterm birth rates and combat mortality and morbidity during childbirth.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Topics will range from contraception and safe abortion practices to assisted reproductive technologies.
Surgery and Oncology: The congress aims to address women’s cancer prevention, treatment methodologies, and the significance of fistula repair and pelvic floor disorder treatments.
Gynecology Across the Life Course: Key issues such as menopause, endometriosis, and healthcare for adolescents will be discussed.
- Global Women’s Health and Policy: The impact of climate change, health concerns for migrants and refugees, and transgender care will be on the agenda.
The congress will feature enhanced educational opportunities, including more workshops, simulation labs, and surgical video classrooms to ensure practical knowledge transfer in various clinical areas. Attendees can anticipate interactive sessions that will empower them with both theoretical insights and hands-on competence.
Innovative Approaches to Learning
As stated by Congress Organizing Committee Chair, Professor Paul Fogarty, the initiative incorporates emerging technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The inclusion of simulation labs offers participants an opportunity to engage in practical learning, further bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Additionally, the FIGO Film Festival will return, highlighting short films that cover surgical techniques and real-world advocacy stories. This multifaceted approach encourages collaboration among obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, nurses, and allied health professionals, while also integrating broader conversations about rights, justice, and innovation within the medical community.
Networking and Community Building
A crucial aspect of FIGO 2025 is the chance for health professionals to form relationships that will extend beyond the congress. The organizers highlight the importance of sharing knowledge and resources, as well as fostering a community dedicated to improving health equity and social justice. Participants are encouraged to engage through various platforms, including the FIGO 2025 app available on both iOS and Android. This digital tool will facilitate navigation around the congress and keep attendees updated.
Importance of Health Equity
The congress encapsulates a critical moment in the health conversation. It signifies not only a commitment to addressing women’s health issues head-on but also a recognition that these challenges are interlinked with broader socio-political themes. Enhancing health equity, personal rights, and access to comprehensive healthcare are central to the discussions planned for 2025.
Looking Forward
As we approach this significant event, the anticipation surrounding FIGO 2025 is palpable. The congress is poised to propel dialogue around women’s health into a new era, one where collaboration across disciplines is prioritized. With pressing global health concerns, such as the ongoing impacts of climate change and pandemic recovery, the opportunity for global health professionals to unite and deliberate solutions in Cape Town is timely.
The congress is not just an academic meeting; it’s an opportunity to galvanize action towards a collective vision of health and freedom for women and girls worldwide. The discussions and collaborations that take place in Cape Town will likely influence practices, policies, and the standard of care for many years to come.
In conclusion, FIGO 2025 is a cornerstone event for professionals in gynecology and obstetrics, fostering an inclusive environment for knowledge sharing and meaningful discourse aimed at advancing women’s health. As the congress encourages a move towards a united front in addressing these issues, it promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey toward health equity and justice. The outcomes of this gathering could serve as a catalyst for change, advocating for better healthcare policies and practices that prioritize the rights and health of women and girls globally.
