FIGO launches new pilot project: Ask Dr FIGO

Visual with the Ask Dr FIGO logo and an illustration of a doctor reaching out to a young person through a phone

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) is excited to announce the launch of Ask Dr. FIGO. Ask Dr. FIGO is a free, anonymous website that enables visitors to ask questions about sexual and reproductive health and get personalised information from OBGYNs in their own language. The service has been launched as a pilot in Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG). 

Empowering young people 

Young people all around the world lack access to quality SRH information, most notably in lower- and middle-income countries. SRH information on topics including, but not limited to, pregnancy prevention, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and consent will help to empower young people to make informed life choices. This knowledge will prevent unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and serious illness, ultimately protecting young people against social stigma and many other negative life outcomes. 

How does Ask Dr. FIGO work? 

To receive personalised SRH information on Ask Dr. FIGO, website visitors in Ethiopia will simply type in an SRH question in English or Amharic, answer seven medically relevant, non-invasive questions, and then receive a private 3-digit numerical code to access their personalised response from a doctor within 24 to 48 hours.  

Ask Dr. FIGO doctors use a bespoke portal to publish their responses on the website. These personalised responses are only accessible using a relevant 3-digit code. Website visitors need not share personally identifying information and are able to remain completely anonymous, while benefitting from free, personalised information.  

“With more than 3 million specialist physicians in gynecology and obstetrics around the world, FIGO is perfectly situated to provide information to anyone who has questions about SRH.” – Jill Sheffield, Chair of FIGO’s Committee for Family Planning and Contraception 

Revolutionising access to SRH information 

Ask Dr. FIGO is a bold initiative that has the potential to revolutionise access to SRH information for people around the world, while also preventing the spread of misinformation that is so pervasive on the internet.  

The Ask Dr. FIGO site has three main SRH offerings: 

  • access to personalised SRH information 
  • a listing of hospitals and clinics with addresses and local emergency phone numbers 
  • a permanent repository of SRH questions and answers available in multiple languages 

FIGO hopes that, following a successful pilot in Ethiopia, Ask Dr. FIGO may be available in a growing number of lower- and middle-income countries soon. 

 

Additional Notes

Ask Dr. FIGO was created by Jill Sheffield, Chair of FIGO’s Committee of Contraception and Family Planning, with the support of creative director Cynthia Wang. The pilot programme was launched in partnership with the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG), under the leadership of President Dr Mekdes Daba and with assistance from Programme Communications Officer Addisu Deresse and General Manager Selamawit Kefle. 

Ask Dr. FIGO is currently available in Ethiopia in two languages: Amharic and English.  

For more information about Ask Dr. FIGO, please contact Cynthia Wang at [email protected]