International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Global professional society for obstetricians and gynaecologists.
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, known by the acronym FIGO from its French name Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique, is a worldwide non-governmental organisation representing obstetricians and gynaecologists in over one hundred territories. It was founded on 26 July 1954 in Geneva, Switzerland, to promote the well-being of women and to raise the standard of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology. Its membership currently comprises 132 professional societies of obstetricians and gynaecologists globally.
Quick Facts
- Abbreviation
- FIGO
- Formation
- 26 July 1954
- Headquarters
- FIGO House, Waterloo Court, 10 Theed Street, London, SE1 8ST, UK
- Membership
- 132 Societies
- Leader
- Anne-Beatrice Kihara
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- FIGO publishes the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics monthly via Wiley Online Library.
- The FIGO Newsletter is published monthly in electronic form.
- FIGO conducts a triennial meeting called the World Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Core activities
FIGO aims to improve the health and well-being of women and newborns worldwide, working to enable every woman to achieve active participation in her own health and rights and the highest possible standards of health. It is financed by dues of member societies, grants, and educational activities. Its work covers adolescent health, cervical cancer, environmental health, refugee and migrant health, noncommunicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and universal health coverage. FIGO implements global programmes such as the Fistula Surgery Training Initiative, Postpartum Family Planning (PPIUD), Advocating Safe Abortion Project, and Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH).
Classification systems
In 2011, FIGO recognised two systems designed to aid research, education, and clinical care of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in the reproductive years. Ovarian cancer is staged using the FIGO staging system, which uses information obtained after surgery that can include a total abdominal hysterectomy via midline laparotomy, removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes, the omentum, pelvic washings, assessment of retroperitoneal lymph nodes, appendectomy in suspected mucinous tumours, and pelvic/peritoneal biopsies for cytopathology.
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