It is with great pleasure to welcome you to the University of Pretoria’s Biennial O&G Update 2027. The theme of the conference is “Women’s Health Across Time: Reflecting on Our Past, Redefining Our Present, Reimagining Our Future.”

This theme invites us to consider not only how far we have come in advancing the health and wellbeing of women, but also how much remains to be done. The history of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is marked by remarkable people who have shaped the discipline and produced world class clinicians and scientists. 

Reflecting on our past allows us to honour the pioneers who laid the foundations of our discipline, while critically examining the lessons that history offers us.

Redefining our present, challenges us to examine the realities facing women today. Despite major advances in medicine, unacceptable disparities remain in maternal health, reproductive health, fertility care, contraception, gynaecological disease, cancer prevention, menopause care and access to quality healthcare. Our responsibility is to be responsive to the changing needs of women across their life course.

Reimagining our future requires courage and vision. As we embrace the future of women’s health, shaped by advances in science and technology, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, reproductive technologies and new models of healthcare delivery, we must remember to anchor it in humanity and ensure that it preserves dignity and ultimately improves the lives of women, their families and their communities.

This conference therefore provides an important platform for clinicians, scientists, academics, trainees, policymakers and other healthcare professionals to come together, exchange knowledge, challenge established thinking and explore new possibilities. Through scientific presentations, robust discussions and multidisciplinary engagement, we hope to bridge the lessons of yesterday with the realities of today and the possibilities of tomorrow.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, I warmly welcome you and wish you an inspiring, engaging and memorable conference.

Warm regards

Prof. Zozo Nene
Chair of the organising committee
Head of Department
Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Pretoria