Golden Jubilee 50th volume of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research

I am most grateful to the Editor in Chief of the JOGR journal for requesting me to review the past of the Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG) in the Golden Jubilee issue of the journal.

AOFOG is a regional organization dedicated to advancing the field of obstetrics and gynecology and developing interaction and harmony among the member societies. Founded in 1957, AOFOG aims to promote and improve women's health care across Asia and Oceania through education, research, and professional collaboration. AOFOG comprises member societies from various countries in the Asia and Oceania region, currently numbering 23, making it a diverse and influential organization in the field of women's health.

It was in 1954 in Geneva the idea of forming the Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology as the Asian Division of the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics was conceived. But it was only in 1957 at the inaugural meeting held in Tokyo, it was decided that the organization should be established as the Asian Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology, i.e., as an autonomous body that would seek affiliation, with the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics at a later stage. This meeting was convened by Dr. H. de Watteville (Switzerland), Dr. Ayesa (Philippines), and Dr. Hideo Yagi (Japan). Dr. Yagi was elected as Chairman. The membership was opened to Asian countries and Australia and New Zealand joined as associate members in 1959. Under the auspices of the Philippines Obstetrical & Gynecological Society Inc, the secretariat was established in Manila. Dr. Jose Villanueva was elected as the Secretary-General.

Then in 1979, at the 13th General Assembly held in Tokyo, a new constitution initiated in Bangkok was adopted. The officers at this important meeting included President Prof. Shoichi Sakamoto of Japan, Vice President Dr. Ramesh Pandit from India, and Dr. Peter Elliot from Australia the President-Elect. Prof. S. S. Ratnam of Singapore was elected Secretary General, and Prof. Suporn Koetsawang from Thailand, as Treasurer. Australia and New Zealand were accepted as full members. Thus, the Federation's name was changed to Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Then the AFOG secretariat was moved to Singapore.

The Membership of the Federation is open to the National Society/College, of Obstetrics and Gynecology of any country in the Asia and Oceania region. At present AOFOG has a membership of Society/College representing 23 Countries (Figure 1).

Prof. W. W. Sumpaico from the Philippines was elected as Secretary General when Prof. Ratnam stepped down in 2000 to become President-elect, after holding the post of Secretary General for 21 years. Then the secretariat was moved to Manila, Philippines. Prof. Sumpaico served as secretary General for 17 years. In 2017 Dr. Rohana Haththotuwa (Sri Lanka) was elected as the Secretary General. Thus, the Secretariat was moved to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Federation celebrated the 50th Anniversary of AOFOG in 2007, in Japan the country where it was born during the Presidency of Prof. Yuji Murata from Japan.

Through these activities, AOFOG plays a pivotal role in advancing women's health care in the Asia and Oceania region, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to provide high-quality care to their patients.

AOFOG secretariat communicates with the member societies by e-mail and then through them with the members of these member societies.

AOFOG secretariat releases a three-monthly newsletter electronically providing a comprehensive account of the AOFOG activities. It can also be viewed through the AOFOG website. AOFOG website can be visited http://www.aofog.net to obtain any information one needs regarding AOFOG and the site is kept constantly updated. If further information is needed the secretariat can be contacted by mailing: [email protected].

The AOFOG has grown from strength to strength and become the leading O&G Federation in the Asia Oceania region responsible for the upliftment of Women's and Newborns' health and by updating the knowledge and skills of the health personnel. In my view it has passed the five tests that I posed to assess the success of a Professional organization; It has worked proactively to achieve its vision and mission, reactively by responding to evolving situations, continuously focused on engaging younger members for sustainability, has been prudent with the finances for continuity and has informed the AOFOG members, the public, government bodies and NGOs of its activities to harness partnership and collaboration. These have been achieved by working closely with the member Societies, international NGOs, National governments, and donor agencies. AOFOG will monitor the success of the Federation by applying the five tests and looks forward to Societies of nonmember countries in the region joining the Federation so that we can serve the women of the region better.

The author declares no conflict of interests for this article.