Edgar Iván Ortiz Lizcano

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Biography

I was born in Cali, Colombia on February 9th, 1955. I am a passionate and dedicated Gynaecologist and Obstetrician with a Master's degree in Public Health. Throughout my career, my primary focus has been advocating tirelessly for women's rights and their health. With extensive experience in academia, public administration, and international health organizations, I have shaped public policies, reduced maternal and perinatal mortality rates, and made a significant impact on women's lives. As a respected speaker and leader, I have championed the cause of women's health on both regional and global platforms.

I have been a professor at the Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia, since 1984, where I have shared my expertise in Gynaecology and Obstetrics with eager students. Through lectures, seminars, and research supervision, I have nurtured the minds of future healthcare professionals. Additionally, my dedication to advancing knowledge in the field has led me to publish numerous scientific articles and contribute chapters to influential Gynaecology and Obstetrics textbooks.

Recognizing the need for systemic change, I ventured into public administration. As the Secretary of Health in Cali from 1997 to 2000, I implemented strategic initiatives and managed public health programs aimed at improving the well-being of the local population. Simultaneously, I took on the responsibility of Acting Mayor of Cali on two separate occasions, overseeing municipal affairs with dedication and efficiency.

To have a broader impact on women's health, I have served as an advisor to Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia. contributing to the design of national public policies in sexual and reproductive health, focusing on reducing maternal and perinatal mortality rates, improving access to quality healthcare, and promoting the well-being of women across the country.

In my role as President of the Colombian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from2014 to 2016, I led the organization to align with national public policies. This strategic move resulted in increased visibility and influence for the Federation through the execution of high-impact projects including the development of care protocols for pregnant girls under 15 years of age, preconception care, voluntary interruption of pregnancy, as well as the obstetric emergency care model for Colombia.

Currently, I am the academic coordinator of the training activities planned by the Ministry of Health of Colombia in the accelerated plan to reduce maternal mortality, representing the Colombian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
I have also been a consultant for International Cooperation Organizations, leveraging my expertise for programs and initiatives aimed at improving women's health on an international scale. This experience has allowed me to contribute to the global discourse and advocate for women's rights on a broader stage.

Continuing my mission to improve women's health, I served as President of the Latin American Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FLASOG) from 2014 to 2017. During this time, I led the transformation of the organization’s mission as well as its administrative and financial operations. By promoting initiatives to reduce extreme maternal morbidity and advocating for sexual and reproductive rights, as well as interventions aimed at improving the quality and safety of obstetric care, the organization made a significant impact on women's health in Latin America.

My dedication to the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology led to my involvement in FIGO. I served as member of the Board representing the Latin American Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for nine consecutive years until 2021. I participated in the Scientific Committee of the Rio 2017 Congress and was the Vice Chair of the Scientific Committee for the FIGO World Congress in Sydney in 2020.

Currently, I serve as the Regional Trustee for Latin America in FIGO, representing the organization and advocating for women's rights in the region. I successfully led the organization of the Regional Congress in Cartagena, Colombia in November 2022 and continue to lead two key regional projects aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of the 19National Member Societies to advocate for women's rights in the region.

In this role, I have been continuously recognized for my collaboration, commitment, and ongoing contributions to the key decisions of the organization, ensuring the active participation of low and middle-income countries, especially those in Latin America, in the future of FIGO.

My life has been dedicated to advocating for women's rights and fostering the growth of healthcare leaders to support this mission. My greatest interest is to continue working for women's health and to consolidate FIGO as the voice of women around the world, especially those most vulnerable. To achieve this goal, I will continue to dedicate my efforts, experience, and knowledge to generate initiatives that fulfil this purpose.