SOCIETY OF GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS OF NIGERIA (SOGON)

The Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) is the organisation that coordinates the activities of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Nigeria. It was established in 1965 with an initial membership of 50 and now has over 1500 members throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its liaison office is housed by FereProd Medical Centre, Gwandu Crescent, Off Uke Street, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Garki II, Abuja, Nigeria. 

Vision

The vision of SOGON is to contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 &5 reducing child mortality by 2/3 and promote maternal Health by reducing maternal mortality by 75% in Nigeria by the year 2015.

Mission

The mission of SOGON is to promote the health and wellbeing of Nigerian women and newborn and to improve the practice of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in the country.

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF SOGON
The administration of SOGON is as spelt out in its constitution and bye laws. This comprises:

• National officers
• National Executive Council (SOGON COUNCIL) as its highest decision-making body
• SOGON operates Six Sectors(Northern, Eastern, Western, Lagos, Midwestern, and lower Middle belt) for ease of administration and communication among members

COORDINATION

The organization has eleven sub-committees for decentralized administration and effectiveness, holds scientific conference and general meeting annually (AGC/AGM) and is an active member of International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).
The association has a functional secretariat, liaison office with a national coordinator as its head.

SUB-COMMITTEES OF SOGON

• Policies on Reproductive Health
• Safe motherhood
• Scientific and Research
• Awards and prices
• Abuja Land acquisition
• SOGON News Letter
• Past Presidents
• Finance and endowment
• SOGON House
• SOGON Library
• National Institute of Reproductive Health

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING/CONFERENCE

• SOGON holds its annual conference/General meeting every year between the third and fourth weeks of November attended by stakeholders within and outside Nigeria.
SOGON holds one International congress in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja every four years.

• It hears reports, approves the accounts and elects the officers and new members of the Executive Board for the ensuring three-year term.

• The most recent General Assembly took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, in November 2011. The next will take place in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, in 2012. All registered members and participants at the Congress are welcome to attend the sessions of the General Assembly.

PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES OF SOGON
The programme and activities carried out by the organization includes

• A strategic plan developed for 2000-2010 aimed at reducing maternal deaths by 50% (Vision 2010).
• Developing protocols on the management of common obstetric and Gynaecological conditions.
• Conducting regular update courses on contemporary Obstetric and Gynaecological issues.
• Partnering with governments and donor agencies on maternal and newborn health.
• Conducting research on maternal and neonatal health.
•  Extensive advocacy network throughout Nigeria for the promotion of women and newborn health.

ON-GOING PROJECTS

• SOGON is one of the Member Association sponsored by FIGO to participate in the Leadership of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) project which used to be known as saving the mother and Newborn Health (SMNH) Project (2006 to date).
• Working with Macarthur Foundation Nigeria, onmaternal mortality reduction using a key strategy - Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) in six States of Nigeria with skilled attendants as the fulcrum (2004 to date).
• Working with IPAS Nigeria, on Post abortion Care (PAC)
• Developed a STRUCTURE that will enhance SOGON participation in the maternal reduction efforts at the grass root towards contributing to the attainment of MDG 5 (improving maternal health.