The annual Africa Health Medical Obstetrics Conference embodies a collective ambition - to elevate maternal and neonatal outcomes through groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and continuous, conscientious application of evidence-based practices. 

This Conference forms part of the three-day programme at Gallagher. 

The event is themed Embracing New Horizons, Raising the Bar in Obstetric Care. The theme captures the essence of its agenda: to push the boundaries of what is possible and challenge the traditions and norms that have long governed obstetric care on the continent.

 The conference will keep healthcare professionals at the cutting edge of obstetric advancements, offering insights into the latest clinical research, and addressing the hot topics and current issues shaping the field.

 Navigating into the uncharted realms of the future of obstetric science and maternal health in Africa, the event will offer a platform for high-level obstetrics and neonatal healthcare conversations, guided by evidence-based practices and advances to improve clinical quality in obstetrics.

Attendees can engage in sessions that not only focus on evidence-based practices and clinical quality but also explore the intricacies of intrapartum care, and the nuances of dealing with various categories of high-risk pregnancies.

 Professor Shastra Bhoora, Associate Professor of Maternal Critical medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and obstetrics intensivist at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital's Obstetrics Critical Care section, is a respected practitioner and teacher in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology and will be one of the many prestigious doyens gracing the event stage.

Bhoora elaborates on what is new in 2023: 

"This year, we propose a new and innovative approach to dissecting unique medical conundrums that present in pregnancy. The introduction of Obstetric Case Insight Presentations is a seismic shift in the way we aspire to learn and share knowledge. These are microscopic examinations of real-world scenarios that offer unparalleled insights for our attendees," she says.

Another key outcome for the 5th Medical Obstetrics Conference will address the urgent need to bring midwifery into the spotlight. 

"For too long, the critical role of midwives in maternal care has been eclipsed by other medical professions. This year's focus on midwifery practice is an effort to correct that imbalance, to give these unsung heroes of healthcare the recognition and platform they deserve," says Africa Health spokesperson Dr Bandile Hadebe.

Among the key topics that these experts will explore, are the unsettling trends in maternal deaths in the Ekurhuleni District over the last seven years, the prevalence and impact of perinatal mental health, and the decisive role of a midwife in mitigating maternal morbidity and mortality.

The 2022 edition's explorations identified key gaps in mental health infrastructure and care, especially in low-middle-income countries, with speakers highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to re-establish trust and confidence in Africa's maternal healthcare systems. 

This year's conference takes that dialogue a step further, anchoring it in two key sessions: 'Advancing Midwifery Practice', and 'Obstetric Case Insights,' where incisive case studies will shed light on the complex interplay of systemic healthcare issues on various specific obstetric cases.

Building on the robust dialogues from last year's event, where mental health and a holistic view of obstetric and maternal-neonatal health were central themes, expert speakers such as Mavis Mulaudzi, South African Chair in Nursing, University of Pretoria, and Dr Edward Buga, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinical Unit at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Johannesburg, will engage in lively interactive Q & A sessions.

Hadebe believes that "every woman deserves a healthcare system that is both resilient and compassionate. The 5th Medical Obstetrics Conference is not just another event on the medical calendar; it is a mission, a commitment to redefine the paradigms of maternal care."

 From obstetricians and gynaecology consultants to midwives, family medicine practitioners, and general practitioners, the conference will be a melting pot of professionals, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. The richness of this diversity is one of the event's greatest strengths, fostering an environment conducive to cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

"The 5th Medical Obstetrics Conference is more than an event; it is a catalyst for change, a forum for innovation, and a platform for advocacy in the realm of obstetric care. It is a lens through which we can all look forward to a future of holistic well-being, and better lifelong health outcomes for mothers and children across Africa. It is an event that will encapsulate the collective aspirations of a community dedicated to the well-being of mothers and their newborns - a mission that resonates with every one of us," Hadebe expressed.

 "We're not just disseminating information; we're nurturing a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The conference comes with the accreditation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, but what we offer goes beyond mere credentials. We are in the business of bringing about lasting change across Africa's healthcare landscape."