AFJOG

We are delighted to launch the inaugural issue of the African Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (AFJOG), a significant milestone in the endeavour of advancing women’s health, not only across South Africa, but also across the rest of the African continent. We trust that this journal will emerge as a beacon of knowledge and progress driven by the vision of contributing significantly to the knowledge and improvement of maternal and reproductive healthcare. Our diverse cultures, backgrounds, skills and languages create a dynamic environment with huge opportunities to address the challenges facing women’s health. The journal aims to assist healthcare professionals and researchers, working tirelessly to bridge gaps, expand access, and elevate the standards of Obstetrics and Gynaecology across this remarkably diverse country and continent. Throughoriginal researcharticles, case studies, clinical reviews and society guidelines, we aim to contribute to the knowledge base that addresses the complex issues facing women's health in South Africa and Africa. By providing a platform for information exchange, we aim to foster collaborations, inspire innovation, and drive evidence-based practices that directly impact the lives of women. Women's health is influenced by a multitude of factors such as access to medical care, socio-economic challenges, and cultural diversity, calling for a multi-disciplinary approach to women’s health related challenges. We are committed to this approach and will strive to be as inclusive as possible, trusting this effort will enrich our understanding of the intricacies involved in providing holistic care to women. Progress is not possible without research. AFJOG will serve as a platform to share original research that addresses core issues in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. We encourage researchers to explore topics such as maternal mortality, family planning, reproductive rights, infertility, urogynaecological issues, gynaecological malignancies, and innovations in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The success of this journal depends heavily on teamwork and effort. We want to invite the O&G fraternity to be involved in this effort, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank in advance, those who are willing to serve on the editorial board, those who will head the call to be reviewers, those who will contribute, and those who will be supporting the journal in many other ways such as advertising. We are eagerly observing the ‘birth’ of AFJOG and the impact it will have on the advancement of women’s health in South Africa and Africa. We leave you with this inspiring quote that serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility and ability we have to positively impact our world. ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world’ - Mahatma Gandhi Professor LeonSnyman Department Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa Head of Department: Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital Professor ZeelhaAbdool Associate Professor and Head: Urogynaecology Unit, Department of Obstetrics andGynaecology, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa A big thank you to all authors and reviewers for their timeous submission. The first edition of AFJOG focusses on pertinent OBGYNclinical conditionswhich canpotentially result inadverse long-term sequelae. The review on stillbirths highlights the lack of effective clinical tools detect and identify ‘at risk’ fetal growth restriction, and the value and outcome of the Umbiflow TM device is discussed in context of three population-based studies. The second obstetric article emphasizes the complex nature of fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) in primiparous women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) between 26-38 weeks gestation. The authors recommend routine placental histological analysis in women with PROM as a possible credible intervention. The critical incident audit study is one of few studies that analyse gynaecological critical incidents with the aim to understand the nature of critical incidents including modifiable factors that play a role in the public health sector, particularly at tertiary level care. The term ‘critical incidents’ was coined by Pattinson and Lombaard in 2004 and is defined as, ‘“any cause or action that leads to extra morbidity in the patient as well as any intervention that when it is performed could lead to serious morbidity or mortality in the gynaecological wards”. The overall rate was 6.7% and the three most common reasons were omission of procedure, followed by death and performance of unplanned surgery. Endometriosis and labial adhesions are common and complex gynaecological conditions and both authors present a succinct review of these topics. Finally, the cervical cancer screening guidelines for South Africa which was developed by the HPV Board is published. Universal screening with partial HPV genotyping from age 25 years is recommended. “Enjoy the read” ZeelhaAbdool Launch of the inaugural issue of the African Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (AFJOG) Journal article summary: In this edition EDITORIAL African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Volume 1 | Issue 1 | 2023 | 01