Sayeba Akhter, Bangladesh
Academic qualification: MBBS, FCPS(BD), DRH(UK),
Honorary degrees-FRCOG (RCOG), FCPS(PAK), FICMCH(IN), FIAOG(IN)
Present position: Professor & CEO of MAMMS Institute of Fistula& Women’s Health
Affiliations & Activities: Member of FIGO Fistula Expert Advisory Group, Asian representative & past secretary general of International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeon (ISOFS), Chair of South Asian Group of Fistula and other morbidities, President of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of Bangladesh(2008-2010) and member of many national and international professional associations, Head of dept of OBGYN, Dhaka Medical college, SBMC, MMC, MAGOMC, Prof of BSMMU, Focal point of Fistula program, Adolescent reproductive health, VAW of national society and program manager of Adolescent of GOB. She has dedicated her lifetime to eliminate obstetric fistula from Asia and the globe.
Her innovation:‘Condom Uterine Balloon Temponade’, named as Sayeba’s Method, for control of massive PPH in resource poor settings. Now, it is used in many countries of Asia and Africa for control of massive PPH & has trained doctors/midwives on it in Asia & Africa.
Awards: Young Gynaecologist Award, Fellows Honoris Causa(RCOG), Best Gynecologist, Best Presenter, Sher-E-Bangla award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Madam Teresa Award, Life Membership of NESOG, Human Right Peace Award -2016, Award for dedication in fistula work in 2009, 2012 & 2014, Women Leadership Award-2017(CMO Asia), Award for Innovation of Condom Tamponade in 2017 and Women Super Achiever Award -2018 (Femina).
Books and Publications: She has more than 50 national and international publications, Author/co-author of 4 books and wrote chapter in 2 books.
Scientific Study of Population.
José Aristodemo Pinotti Keynote Lecture
Rohingya women and girls: dressing wounds and restoring dignity- a big challenge
Since August 2017, around 700,000 Rohingya’s fled to Bangladesh to escape the brutal atrocity in Myanmar. Among these Rohingyas, women and girls are facing severe abuse, poor hygiene and sanitation practices, leading to acute health and psychological problems. The objective of the paper is to highlight specific social, psychological and reproductive health issues among women and girls, along with the challenges encountered by the host country. This paper reviews and analyse information available in website, country level reports, media reports and communication with partners working in Cox-Bazaar’s health facilities. Albeit the host community and their government welcomed Rohingyas to support on exemplary humanitarian ground, Rohingya women and girls are facing social, psychological and reproductive health problems by reasons of their experience of relentless violence in Myanmar. Even in the refugee camps they are vulnerable towards sexual and gender based violence by their own and host community youths, and health issues due to limited knowledge and available resources. Women/girls have no knowledge of hygiene practice, family planning, maternal health and reproductive health care. Yet, due to lack of care of their children in camp, mothers refuse to deliver or stay in hospitals. They also suffer from other obstetrics, sexual and reproductive health problems like PPH, PET, eclampsia, abortion, obstetric fistula, PID, UTI, AUB etc. The host government, local and international organisations created 150 new health cluster, 270 health facilities, along with many educational/counseling/awareness programs, however, it is still not adequate.