International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

 President Gamal Serour during a trip to Tanzania

What is the International Federation of  Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)?

• Founded in 1954, it brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologists on a global basis.
• It has member societies in 124 countries/territories across five regions.

Mission

• To promote the wellbeing of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynecology.

Main activities

• Organising safe motherhood projects around the world, designed to help reduce maternal mortality in developing countries.
• Organising a World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics every three years.
• Producing the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (IJGO), a monthly publication with global reach, which includes regular specialist supplements eg the World Report on Women’s Health (published every three years to coincide with the World Congress).

For more detailed information, view About FIGO.

Governance

• A General Assembly  - composed of delegates from each member association - takes place every three years at the time of FIGO's triennial World Congress. It elects the officers and new members of the Executive Board for the ensuing three-year term.
• The Board, headed by the President, comprises six officers and representatives from 24 member societies.
• A Chief Executive manages day-to-day operations from a Secretariat base in London.
• FIGO has an established Constitution and Bye-Laws. 

Committees and Working Groups

• FIGO's specialist Committees and Working Groups embrace many aspects of obstetrics and gynecology such as oncology, STDs/AIDS, perinatal health, education, safe motherhood, medical terminology, women physicians in the specialty, social activities on women's health, new technology, the pathology of the breast and ethics.