Ceremony of the 19th World Congress on Fertility and Sterility, Inkosi Albert
Luthuli International Conference Centre, Durban
29 April 2007
Programme director
Councillor Obed Mlaba Mayor of eThekwini Metropolitan
Professor Bernard Hedon President of International Federation of Fertility
Societies and Members
Dr Paul Dalmeyer Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, President of
Southern African Society of Reproductive Science and Surgery and Members
Dr Roger Kempers Chair of the Scientific Programme
Honourable delegates and guests
Good evening
I am pleased to be here this evening at this opening ceremony of the 19th
World Congress on Fertility and Sterility of the International Federation of
Fertility Societies, hosted by the Southern African Society of Reproductive
Science and Surgery.
This is certainly a memorable occasion for Reproductive Health in Africa and
for our Country as it is the first time that this congress is being held on
African soil. I understand that more than 1 500 delegates are present from over
78 countries. I believe that the congress website has engendered great interest
as 34 496 visitors have accessed the web page since 10 May 2004.
Our country has just celebrated Freedom Day two days ago on Friday, 27 April
2007. It is therefore relevant that this conference is being opened this
evening because by advancing reproductive health, we will further improve the
health status of women and the poor in general, and advance freedom.
Reproductive health contributes to women's health. It is one of the priorities
of our Department of Health and it is also one of the pillars of health, which
is a human right.
It is therefore encouraging to note that the deliberations during this
conference cover the entire spectrum of reproductive health, which includes
modern methods of pregnancy prevention and the management of infertility.
All sexually active couples need to conserve their reproductive health and
control their fertility. This is particularly important with the advent of HIV
and AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections that contribute to
infertility and compromise reproductive health.
Two in 10 couples in our country suffer from the difficulty of having a
child. This congress must contribute to the body of knowledge and help in the
improved management of infertility that leads to childless couples.
As this congress is being held in Africa for the first time it is important
that you focus on the problems of reproductive health in our continent. The
proceedings of this conference must help the Departments of Health of Africa in
the better management of reproductive health afflictions.
I wish to commend the International Federation of Fertility Societies for
bringing this congress to South Africa and I congratulate the Southern African
Society of Reproductive Science and Surgery for hosting this congress. I am
certain that it will be a success. At this congress, East meets West, South
meets North. The variances, strength and experiences should empower and inspire
you to come forward with a resolve to improve reproductive health globally.
A Durban declaration on reproductive health should be the output of this
congress. I also wish to welcome you our beautiful country, to the beautiful
province of KwaZulu-Natal, and the beautiful City of Durban. While you enhance
your scientific knowledge and skills by this conference, you must also ensure
that you successfully network with other colleagues to maintain scientific
dialogue.
You must also enjoy the hospitality and sights offered.
Issued by: Department of Health
29 April 2007
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za)
