Photograph taken by William Ranieri
As the spotlight shone on the UK in 2012, here at the RCOG we have been looking outward; collaborating with our global colleagues to build new pathways to improve maternal health worldwide.
We have undergone a lot of changes both in our Global Health Unit and in the structure and remit of our Committees in an effort to improve our global health work.
This collaborative work, to highlight only a few examples, has seen the establishment of new MRCOG examination centres in China, Bangladesh and Nigeria, new volunteering opportunities in Sierra Leone and Liberia, more trainees coming from around the world to train and study in the UK on our International Medical Graduate (IMG) sponsorship scheme and in turn, widening their clinical expertise and the development of contacts with peer associations in, amongst others, Argentina, Peru, Tanzania and Vietnam.
In addition, 2012 has been a year of hugely successful and well-attended events, again, made possible by working jointly with our friends overseas.
In June, the RCOG World Congress journeyed to Sarawak, Malaysia. Against a stunning tropical setting, nearly 1500 delegates from 50 countries attended the conference. The event provided a unique opportunity for us to meet with our colleagues from around the world to share expertise and build new partnerships.
Closer to home, there was a successful Egypt Day event held at the RCOG in September and organised with the support of the Egyptian Liaison Group and International Representative Committee. It brought together stakeholders and interested parties to discuss the future of women's healthcare in Egypt and culminated in a joint statement covering national strategy, training and education, governance and risk management.
All of our work is made possible by the valued support of our International Representative Committees, our Liaison Groups and of course, our Fellows, Members and Trainees around the world.
We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with all of our colleagues overseas; please contact us at the address below.
E: globalhealthinfo@rcog.org.uk
Join our LinkedIn groups to discuss local issues to your region.
Global Health - 2013 dates for your diary
March
8 March - International Women's Day, RCOG, London UK
This year, the IWD event at the College will focus on the topic of Forced Marriages.
April
International News
Keep an eye on our website for the latest publication of International News which will highlight changes to the Global Health Unit, our new strategy including introductions to the new committees and a wealth of information about our focus in 2013 and beyond.
June
24 - 26 June RCOG World Congress 2013, Liverpool, UK
The World Congress turns its eyes to the UK in 2013. Book your place to attend what promises to be yet another fantastic event.
July
Flight for Every Mother
Follow Dr Sophia Webster MRCOG as she embarks upon her incredible mission through Africa flying her own light aircraft visiting hospitals throughout the continent to support and help local doctors. She is raising money for many charities including RCOG's Smile Appeal.
Read more about her adventure on her website.
Donate to the cause through Just Giving.
UK-based Global Health Committees - click to see forthcoming meeting dates
Global Health Policy Advisory Committee
Global Collaboration Committee
Global Grants and Projects Committee
Find out more about our International Representative Committees.
RCOG Global Health: Improving health for all
Here you will find information on our international work, projects, initiatives and volunteering programmes. This section also contains guidance for non-UK doctors wishing to work and train in the UK.
The RCOG is committed to supporting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals relating to the vital improvement needed to global child and maternal health.
Goal 4:
To reduce the infant mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015
Goal 5:
To reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three-quarters by 2015
To achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015
To achieve these goals, the RCOG has clear key objectives:
- To draw on the expertise and experience of the RCOG and its global network to make an effective contribution to improving sexual and reproductive healthcare worldwide. In particular to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity by increasing awareness of maternal health at global, regional and national levels to politicians, professionals and the public.
- To focus on capacity development through training, exchange programmes, provision of guidelines and setting standards that are relevant to the local situation. For example, the delivery of our Life Saving Skills Manual and Course with a focus on emergency obstetric care for use by midwives, clinical officers, medical assistants and doctors working in resource-poor settings.
- To work with governments and international organisations at policy level to get long term “buy-in” to improving quality of care and education including regular monitoring and evaluation.
- To develop and apply new knowledge gathered through research, which meets local needs and directly informs policy.
- To work in partnership with other UK and international agencies.
We work in partnership with our Committees both in the UK and overseas to ensure we can achieve our global health objectives.
