AFJOG

Dear Colleagues, Local and International Friends It is our privilege to represent the South African Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as chairs of the Local Organising Committee as we co-host the twenty-fifth FIGO congress once again on African soil. On behalf of both groups, it is our pleasure to welcome you to Cape Town and to South Africa for the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics! With the overarching theme Advancing Women’s Health: A Journey of Unity and Freedom, this Congress promises to be an inspiring and educational academic gathering. Starting with several exciting pre-congress workshops on Saturday, feeding into a multi-track full academic offering which only ends on Thursday afternoon, the congress offers huge value to everyone working in the field of Women’s Health. The scientific programme promises cutting-edge science, and also the opportunity to hear from and engage with leading experts in all sub-specialties and related disciplines. But we are also excited to offer you an unforgettable experience of South Africa’s vibrant hospitality. Our dynamic social programme will allow you to connect and relax with international peers, network with industry leaders, and enjoy the unique culture and beauty of Cape Town. There is also free time in the programme which you can use to see more of the beauty, sights and culture that Cape Town offers – and we hope that you plan to stay a bit longer to venture further, to travel to other provinces and experience the rich variety of our nature and culture! Thank you for joining us for FIGO Cape Town 2025, where science, culture, and collaboration come together. The local and international teams have worked very hard to ensure that all your highest expectations will be surpassed. Thank you to everyone who tirelessly contributed to the success of this large global meeting. We also wish to thank all our industry partners who make a large contribution to the success of our meetings - please make sure that you visit them in the exhibition hall. Now we look forward to an inspiring Congress that celebrates unity, innovation, and progress in women’s health….and your adventure in Cape Town awaits - welcome! Dr Haynes Van Der Merwe, MBChB, FCOG (SA) Professor Greta Dreyer MBChB, MMed (O&G), MCOG (SA), PhD Local Organising Committee Co-Chairs FIGO 2025 CAPE TOWN (4-9 October 2025) A welcome message from the Local Organising Committee Chairs: Welcome to the third volume of AFJOG. Initially launched 2023 the journal has to date received innovative, meaningful and transformative submissions addressing a plethora of women’s health issues. This addition highlights key topics ranging from HPV based cervical cancer screening, contraception guidelines addressing local availability options, original research highlighting the high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in a Western Cape antenatal cohort, followed by contemporary issues relating to bowel injury at benign gynaecological surgery and the rare event of twin abdominal pregnancy. Finally an Advocate’s opinion on complex medico-legal issues facing South African healthcare providers (and a global issue) is a must read. Issues ranging from procedural challenges, to the importance of impartiality of expert witness, accurate documentation detailing clinical decisions, and ethical issues of cross border telemedicine are briefly discussed. Thank you for sharing this premier gathering of experts who will indeed, ‘elevate your expertise and transform your approach to women’s health.’ "A person is a person through other people" or, more poetically, "I am because we are"---Famous African proverb Prof Zeelha Abdool , PhD, Department Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Head of Urogynaecology Unit, University of Pretoria Prof Leon C Snyman , University of Pretoria, PhD, Department Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Head of Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, University of Pretoria Note from Editors: African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Volume 3 | Issue 3 | 2025 | 01