Obstetrics, Gynaecology: The Demands, Challenges Of Traditional, Modern Practice

Cameroonian gynaecologists and obstetricians under their umbrella organisation, the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon, SOGOC, hold their 32nd congress in Yaounde from April 10-12, 2024. The event takes place in the Yaounde Conference Centre on the theme, “Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Sub-Saharan Africa: Between Tradition and Modernity.” And the following sub-themes - Gynaecological and breast cancers, obstetrical emergencies and pregnancy complications, infertility in all its forms, and sexual and reproductive health.

Adapting To New Technology  
In prelude to the congress, the President of the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon, Prof. Emile Mboudou and members of the SOGOC executive, held a press briefing in Yaounde on Thursday, April 4, 2024. According to Prof. Mboudou, there is need to adapt to new technology with regards, for example, to infertility and obstetrical emergencies.

Practicum, Certified Workshops
He announced that the opening day of the congress will be devoted entirely to practicum workshops in four specialist hospitals in Yaounde to enable members learn hands on deck the whole day. Those who successfully participate in the workshop will be awarded certificates. While the second part of the congress will consist of presentations/lectures from African and French experts. Prof. Mboudou noted that SOGOC works hand in glove with midwives because the two professions are closely related.           

Lateness As Cause Of Maternal Mortality
Prof. Mboudou said maternal mortality was a major problem in Cameroon until the advent of the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP when it rose sharply. But since five years, maternal mortality in Cameroon has reduced considerably, he assured. Still on maternal mortality, Prof. Mboudou said many of the deaths are attributable to lateness or delays that are not necessarily due to medical negligence. Nevertheless, he acknowledged, Cameroon is one of the African countries with the best infrastructure for gynaecological practice.  

Consult Specialists Early
“Caesarean section spares babies from several complications. In Cameroon, the rate is between 10 per cent-15 per cent,” explained Prof. Emile Mboudou, who is also the General Manager of the Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital. According to him, most pregnant women consult gynaecologists when it is already too late. Thus, the need for much sensitisation. “Women need to see a gynaecologist as from the age of 25 – to screen for...