Dr. Anne-Beatrice Kihara Assumes Historic Role as FIGO’s First Sub-Saharan African President

(IN BRIEF) Dr. Anne-Beatrice Kihara has officially assumed the role of President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), marking a historic moment as she becomes the organization’s first-ever President from sub-Saharan Africa. The inauguration took place at the Closing Ceremony of the FIGO World Congress 2023 in Paris. Dr. Kihara, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Nairobi, brings 15 years of experience to her new role. She has previously served as President of the African Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and as the President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society. Dr. Kihara’s vision for her two-year term as FIGO President includes addressing maternal mortality globally, advocating for adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights, and harnessing the power of technology to advance the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. In her own words, she sees her presidency as an opportunity to empower women and girls, promote their wellbeing throughout life, and create a lasting impact on a global scale.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 13-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Dr Anne-Beatrice Kihara has become the new President of FIGO. Her inauguration will take place during the Closing Ceremony of FIGO World Congress 2023 in Paris. She is the first FIGO President from sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Kihara is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Nairobi, where she has worked for the past 15 years. She is currently the Division Chair of the UON-KNH Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

She has been the President of the African Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists since 2021 and is a past President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (2013–2017), providing assistance on the Beyond Zero.

Dr Kihara is involved in Women’s Health advocacy nationally, regionally and internationally. She provides technical assistance in contributing to bills, policy, strategic direction and guidelines in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Her vision for her two-year term focuses on tackling maternal death worldwide, promoting adolescence sexual reproductive health and rights and harnessing the power of technology to advance the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

“As the first FIGO President from sub-Saharan Africa, I feel a great sense of responsibility weighing heavily on me, but I am also incredibly excited. I feel I am coming at the right time to bring fresh perspectives and accelerate our crucial work to empower women and girls, ensure their wellbeing at all stages of life and make a lasting impact worldwide”. Dr Anne-Beatrice Kihara, FIGO President

Media Contact:

Reyes Castellano
Senior Communications and Engagement Manager
reyes@figo.org

SOURCE: FIGO