Meet an International Advisory Board Member: John Paul Bagala

How long have you been an IUGA member?

Bagala: 5 years

What was your path to serving on the International Advisory Board? Had you previously served IUGA in other volunteer roles?

Bagala: Following my membership under IUGA, I volunteered to start the Uganda Urogynecological Association. I later applied to take up a position as the Africa Representative to the International Advisory Board for IUGA.

What motivates you to be a volunteer leader for IUGA?

Bagala: In Uganda and within a number of LMICs, delivery of quality maternal care remains a challenge resulting into a number of cases of obstructed labor and its sequel. Such countries still grapple with increasing numbers of women who suffer from devastating conditions like obstetric fistulae and other pelvic floor injuries resulting from poorly monitored and managed deliveries. Regardless of such challenges, there is scarcity of skilled human resources that can provide the much-needed care to improve the health and life of such women. As a technical officer for safe motherhood at national level, I felt obliged to look for opportunities that would enable us to build Urogyn capacity in Uganda and Africa. IUGA is the best platform I had at my disposal to deliver to this vision. My aspiration is to support the establishment of three national urogyn associations in Africa during my tenure.

What do you wish all members knew about IUGA or that you could say to all members?

Bagala: IUGA is a perfect platform to enable us to build national capacity in urogynecological care, training and research at national, regional and global levels.

Most exotic place you have traveled:

Bagala: London, United Kingdom

Favorite food:

Bagala: Matooke and Gnut paste source which is a delicacy in Uganda.

Last book you read:

Bagala: It worked for Me in Life and Leadership by Colin Powel.

Hobbies:

Bagala: Reading