In a renewed effort to strengthen maternal and newborn health outcomes in Cameroon and across sub-Saharan Africa, Prof. Tassang Andrew, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Gynecologic Oncologist/Surgeon at the University of Buea, is chairing the organizing committee of the upcoming SOGOC/ASFAC Joint Scientific Conference. The high-level gathering will take place from 24th to 25th March 2026 at the Mountain Hotel.
The conference, built around the theme “Advancing the Well-Being of the Woman, the Pregnant Woman, and the Baby,” seeks to reposition maternal and neonatal care within a broader, integrated framework that extends beyond hospital walls. It reflects what Prof. Tassang describes as a life-course approach one that recognizes that the health of a society is inseparable from the health of its women and children.
Across much of sub-Saharan Africa, maternal and perinatal mortality rates remain a serious concern despite notable advances in obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal medicine. Experts point out that these outcomes are shaped not only by clinical interventions during labor and delivery, but also by the availability of laboratory diagnostics, imaging services, anesthetic care, neonatal support systems, and the influence of social and behavioral determinants. According to Prof. Tassang, improving survival and long-term well-being demands attention to each link in this continuum of care, from preconception through pregnancy and into the critical first hours of life.
The Buea conference has been deliberately designed as a multidisciplinary platform. Rather than limiting discussions to obstetricians and gynecologists, the meeting will convene pediatricians, neonatologists, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientists, radiologists, anesthetists, public health specialists, and social scientists. Organizers believe that sustainable improvements in maternal and newborn health depend on stronger collaboration between these professional groups. By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, the conference aims to break down silos that often fragment patient care.
The scientific programme will explore women’s health before conception, including gynecologic conditions that influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes, as well as cancer prevention and overall well-being. As a specialist in gynecologic oncology, Prof. Tassang has consistently advocated for early detection and preventive strategies as central components of comprehensive women’s health. The programme will also address antenatal care standards, risk assessment, and the vital role of laboratory and imaging services in pregnancy monitoring. Discussions will extend to obstetric complications and the importance of coordinated, multidisciplinary management.
Attention will further be given to childbirth and the immediate newborn period, a window widely recognized as critical for survival. Safe delivery practices, neonatal adaptation, and the prevention and management of perinatal complications will form a core part of the scientific deliberations. Organizers emphasize that nurses, midwives, pediatricians, anesthetists, and support teams each play indispensable roles during these early hours.
Academic oversight of the conference is being provided by a Scientific Committee chaired by Prof. Mike Brady of the University of Arizona, with Prof. Mboudou Emile of the University of Yaoundé I serving as Vice Chairperson. The committee brings together senior specialists from the University of Buea and other institutions, ensuring rigorous review of abstracts and validation of scientific content. This blend of international and national expertise is expected to enhance both the credibility and practical relevance of the conference proceedings.
Beyond academic exchange, the organizers anticipate that the meeting will generate policy-relevant recommendations aimed at strengthening integrated maternal and newborn care systems. By reinforcing professional networks and encouraging evidence-based practice, the conference aspires to contribute meaningfully to national and regional health strategies.
Hosting the event in Buea underscores the city’s growing role as an academic and medical hub in Cameroon’s Southwest Region. With the University of Buea playing a central role in training health professionals, the setting provides a fitting backdrop for a conversation centered on innovation, collaboration, and well-being.
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