IGCS Welcomes GOSON

We are delighted to announce that the Gynaecological Oncology Society of Nigeria (GOSON) has now joined the IGCS Strategic Alliance Partner Program. Through this alliance, 24 gynecologic cancer specialists now benefit from dual membership, gaining support from their regional society as well as access to the vast resources and expertise of the international gynecologic cancer community. 

GOSON was formed in 2014 in Asaba, Delta State during the 48th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting Of the Society Of Gynaecology And Obstetrics Of Nigeria (SOGON). The society’s members are drawn from various specialties involved in the management of gynaecological malignancies.  

The current President of the Society is Professor Bala Audu, and Professor Ajenifuja Kayode Olusegun is the General Secretary. GOSON was formed to advance women’s access to quality healthcare and reduce the burden of gynecological malignancies in Nigeria. The society achieves their goals by training health workers, developing management protocols, and offering educational programs for those involved in the prevention, detection, and management of gynecologic cancers. 

GOSON President, Prof. Audu said, “GOSON collaborates with international organizations and societies who share similar goals and this partnership with the IGCS is a step to further both of our missions. As part of its educational programming, GOSON holds regular webinars where institutions in Nigeria take turns presenting interesting cases that are discussed, much like the IGCS Project ECHO virtual tumor board program. From time to time, GOSON invites speakers from within and outside the country to speak to members.” 

Notably, the IGCS Global Gynecologic Oncology Curriculum was introduced and adopted at two institutions in Nigeria in 2023— Enugu University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and University of Ibadan. IGCS President, Dr. Keiichi Fujiwara said “Many of the members of GOSON are involved in the IGCS fellowship programs as local faculty or trainees. It is exciting to officially partner with this growing society, offering IGCS membership benefits to GOSON members as well, which will only serve to advance the educational missions of both societies.” 

While cervical cancer is cited as the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, there are hopes that change is on the horizon. The single-dose HPV vaccine was introduced into the nation’s routine immunization program in October 2023. Within the next two years, the program aims to reach over three million 9-year-old girls and 14 million girls between 10 to 14 years old, making it the largest roll-out of the single-dose schedule to date.  

This vaccine program coupled with increased efforts to educate and train health care providers and gynecologic cancer specialists is hopeful news for the country. The leadership of GOSON and IGCS feel that this strategic partnership is an important and exciting opportunity for further collaboration to advance gynecologic cancer care in Nigeria and beyond.