Celebrating JOGR's 50th volume of publication

Abstract

The journal was launched in 1970 by Professor Ratnam of Singapore as the official publication of the Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has continued to be published annually except for a few years in the 1970s. JOGR will reach its 50th volume issue in 2024, counting from the first issue. Over the years, JOGR has significantly contributed to the development of obstetrics and gynecology in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In this commemorative issue of JOGR, we would like to celebrate the 50th volume of JOGR and delve into the academic advances and legacy of JOGR in obstetrics and gynecology. The frequency of publication gradually increased with the number of submissions, and since 2011, the journal has grown to be published monthly.¹ This success was made possible by the understanding and support of many of our predecessors and past officials, as well as the officers and committee members of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG) and Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). As the current editor-in-chief, I express my deepest gratitude to all those involved in JOGR. Journals are the vehicle for sharing new knowledge. Their heritage and legacy track the growth in understanding of disease processes as physicians and scientists struggle to understand the disease and how it impacts patients. Generally speaking, “Academic papers transcend time and space.” I feel that phrase is much more targeted and to the core. Needless to say, “time” in space–time refers to time. For example, even today we can read medical papers written more than several hundred years ago by our predecessors. In other words, works are like a kind of time capsule in which we can feel the observation and intelligence of our predecessors in the past. On the other hand, academic papers transcend “space.” If we write an academic paper in English, people on the other side of the earth can read it. It is no exaggeration to say that “an academic paper transcends time and space.” This is not the case with academic presentations only for that moment. We must not only receive the wisdom of our predecessors but also leave something for future generations. Even if we have no idea how useful it is at present, it may be useful to one of our descendants. This is a kind of bridge of intelligence that transcends the generations.

Obstetrics and gynecology is a broad field of study that supports women's health throughout their lives, consisting of perinatal (obstetrics), oncology (gynecology), reproductive endocrinology, and women's health. In addition, obstetrics and gynecology is the only life science discipline that addresses the dramatic female life cycle and reproduction. In this commemorative issue, recent developments in the fight against cervical cancer and the latest efforts by countries in Asia and Oceania are highlighted. Worldwide, 2972.8 million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Current estimates indicate that 604 127 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and that 341 831 women will die from the disease in the year 2020. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in women worldwide.² If cervical cancer is eliminated worldwide, more women will be able to live their lives unrestricted by the disease, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) will be promoted. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. Vaccination, screening, and management of patients with cervical lesions can reduce the number of people dying from cervical cancer. We hope that this feature article will be useful to all readers of JOGR for improving SRHR, including the prevention of cervical cancer.

As mentioned repeatedly, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first issue. Now we are taking a new step towards the next 100th issue. JOGR is the official journal of AOFOG and JSOG. In essence, AOFOG and JOGR are the same. As we proceed to our next 100th issue, we must work more closely together, not only to advance obstetrics and gynecology but also to nurture the next generation and strengthen cooperation among AOFOG member countries. I sincerely hope that the legacy of JOGR and all its scientific activities will continue to be of great benefit to readers around the world.

The author declares no conflict of interests for this article.