The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics is proud to be a non-state actor in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). Members of FIGO’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team attended the WHO’s virtual 150^th Executive Board in early 2022 to feed into discussions and provide the global voice for women’s health.

Across six scheduled days from 24^th to 29^th January, FIGO provided written and verbal statements on important topics related to the health and rights of women and girls.

Cervical cancer

On cervical cancer, FIGO submitted a verbal statement on WHO’s strategy to eliminate the disease.

Despite advances in HPV testing and vaccination, more than half a million women are diagnosed each year, and over a quarter of a million die from the disease.

Gaps exist in professional and community education, sustainability of prevention strategies, and coordination of implementation programmes.

Through our deep and expansive reach into the gynaecological community, FIGO is committed to supporting and collaborating on these efforts.

You can read FIGO’s statement on cervical cancer in full here.

Prevention and control of NCDs

FIGO submitted a verbal statement related to the implementation roadmap for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs have been the leading cause of death among women for more than 30 years – over 60% of deaths each year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Now, FIGO will support WHO and Member States with the development and implementation of clinical guidance that takes a life course approach to women’s health.

You can read FIGO’s statement on NCDs in full here.

Sexually transmitted diseases

FIGO submitted a statement to support the WHO’s strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs. Sexual health is the right of every person, everywhere in the world.

Despite efforts, STIs remain a global public health challenge. Early diagnosis is essential to ensure accurate and timely treatment.

FIGO knows that optimum sexual health has a positive impact on many aspects of life, including reproductive health and wellbeing.

You can read FIGO’s statement on STIs in full here.

Non-state actor involvement with the WHO

Each NSA in official relations with WHO offers specialist and dedicated global expertise within its field. FIGO represents more than 130 national OBGYN professional societies. No other NSA can better represent the fields of obstetrics, gynaecology and women’s health and wellbeing at a global level.

We recognise the challenges that dense programmes of work can pose. However, we urge Member States and the WHO Secretariat to ensure there are sufficient opportunities for NSAs to submit individual interventions at their discretion.

You can read FIGO’s statement on non-state actors in full here.