Hiromi OBARA, MD, MSc

 As of July 2024

Deputy Director, Division of Global Health Policy and Research,
Department of Health Planning and Management

Area of expertise

Reproductive Maternal and Newborn Health (RMNH),
Monitoring and Evaluation of RMNH, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Long-term overseas experiences

Committee member and Advisor

■Global and regional Levels

■Country level

Society

Awards

Publication list

ORCID iD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4789-4972

■Reproductive, maternal, newborn and women’s health

1. Yourkavitch J. Obara H. Daru J. et.al.A rapid landscape review of postpartum anaemia measurement: challenges and opportunities. BMC Public Health. 2023 Jul 31;23(1):1454. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16383-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37518003/
2. Kitamura T, Obara H, Sugiura Y. Early essential newborn care in national tertiary hospitals in Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022 Oct 4;22(1):745. doi: 10.1186/s12884-022-05056-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36195832/
3. Soeung SC, Tomoko K, Obara H. Knowledge and practice for cervical cancer among female primary school teachers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: A cross-sectional phone-based survey. GHM Open. 2022 Vol 2 (1) 25-30.doi:10.35772/ghmo.2022.01005. https://www.ghmopen.com/site/article.html?id=224
4. Kim CR, Lavelanet A, Ganatra B, on behalf of the Abortion Care Guideline Development Group, Enabling access to quality abortion care: WHO's Abortion Care guideline. Lancet Glob Health. 2022 Apr;10(4):e467-e468. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00552-0. (Footnote includes Obara H as a member of the Guideline Development Group). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35303448/
5. Haruyama R, Obara H, Fujita N. Japan resumes active recommendations of HPV vaccine after 8.5 years of suspension. Lancet Oncol. 2022 Feb;23(2):197-198. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00002-X. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35114115/
6. Haruyama R, Obara H, Fujita N. et.al. A Review of the Implementation Status of and National Plans on HPV Vaccination in 17 Middle-Income Countries of the WHO Western Pacific Region. Vaccines (Basel). 2021 Nov 18;9(11):1355.doi: 10.3390/vaccines9111355. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34835286/
7. Haruyama R, Obara H, Fujita N. What is the baseline situation of Japan against the global goals and targets towards the elimination of cervical cancer? Glob Health Med. 2021 Feb 28; 3(1): 44–47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7936364/
8. Kikuchi S. Tomoko K. Obara H. Do the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology members' websites provide information targeting women in the context of the COVID ‐19 pandemic? J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2020 Oct;46(10):2193-2194. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32767685/
9. Zhao Li, Obara H, Sobel HL, et.al. Association between early essential newborn care and breastfeeding outcomes in eight countries in Asia and the Pacific: a cross-sectional observational -study. BMJ Glob Health. 2020 Aug;5(8):e002581. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32764149/
10. Bellizzi S, Sobel HL, Obara H, Temmerman M. Underuse of modern methods of contraception: underlying causes and consequent undesired pregnancies in 35 low- and middle-income countries. Hum Reprod. 2015 Apr;30 (4):973-86. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25650409
11. Souza JP, Obara H, Gülmezoglu AM, Windmer M, Lawrie TA, Adejuyigbe EA, et al. Maternal and perinatal health research priorities beyond 2015: an international survey and prioritization exercise. Reprod Health. 2014 Aug;11 (1):61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25100034/
12. Obara H, Sobel H. Quality maternal and newborn care to ensure a healthy start for every newborn in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. BJOG. 2014 Sep;121 Suppl:154–9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25236650/
13. Koum K, Hy S, Tiv S, Sieng T, Obara H, Matsui M, et al. Characteristics of antepartum and intrapartum eclampsia in the National Maternal and Child Health Center in Cambodia. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2004 Apr;30 (2):74–9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15009606/
14. Koum K, Sann CS, Obara H, Fujita N, et al. Maternal death cases in the top referral hospital in Cambodia. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2002 Feb;28 (1):13–8. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1341-8076.2002.00004.x
15. Obara H, Minakami H, Matsubara S. et al. Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery: results in 310 pregnancies. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 1998 Apr;24(2):129–34. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9631601/

■Health Policy and health systems

1. Wakabayashi M, Obara H, Iso H. et al. How did COVID-19 impact development assistance for health? – The trend for country-specific disbursement between 2015 and 2020, Global Health & Medicine, 2023, Volume 5, Issue 6, Pages 328-335, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38162427/
2. Yokobori Y, Obara H, Yasuo Sugiura Y, et al. Rapid assessment of the civil registration and vital statistics performance of health facilities in the five districts of Zambia: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon. 2021 Nov 11;7(11):e08367. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08367. eCollection 2021 Nov. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34825083/
3. Yokobori Y, Obara H, Yasuo Sugiura Y, et al. Gaps in the civil registration and vital statistics systems of low- and middle-income countries and the health sector’s role in improving the situation. Glob Health Med 2021 Aug 31;3(4):243-245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34532606/
4. Obara H. Fujita N. Hidechika A, et al. Sustainable implementation of international health cooperation projects while Japanese technical experts cannot go to low- and middle-income countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions. Glob Health Med. 2020 Apr 30;2(2):148-150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33330798/
5. Kitamura T, Obara H, Nagai M, et al. World Health Assembly Agendas and trends of international health issues for the last 43 years: Analysis of World Health Assembly Agendas between 1970 and 2012. Health Policy. 2013 May;110 (2-3):198-206. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23295159/
6. Matsuoka S, Obara H, Nagai M, Murakami H, Lon RC. Performance-based financing with GAVI health system strengthening funding in rural Cambodia: a brief assessment of the impact. Health Policy Plan. 2014 Jul;29 (4):456-65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23735736/

■Infertility and clinical obstetrics & Gynecology

1. Shibahara H, Obara H, Tawati A, et al. Prediction of pregnancy by intrauterine insemination using CASA estimates and strict criteria in patients with male factor infertility. Int J Androl. 2004 Apr; 27 (2):63–8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15149462/
2. Shibahara H, Obara H, Kikuchi K, et al. Prediction of Human Sperm Fertilizing Ability by the Hyperactivated Motility Patterns. J Mamm Ova Res. 2003;20 (1):29–33. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jmor/20/1/20_1_29/_article
3. TAWATI A, Shibahara H, Obara H, et al. Influence of endometrial thickness and pattern on pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Reprod Med Biol 2002;1 (1):17–21. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1445-5781.2002.00002.x?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
4. Shibahara H, Suzuki T, Obara H, et al. Establishment and application of criteria for the elective transfer of two good-quality embryos to reduce high-order multiple pregnancies. Reprod Med Biol. 2002;1 (1):23–9. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1445-5781.2002.00003.x
5. Suzuki T, Shibahara H, Obara H, et al. Accuracy of the normal sperm morphology value by Sperm Quality Analyzer IIC: comparison with the strict criteria. Int J Androl. 2002 Feb;25 (1):49–54. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869376/
6. Takamizawa S, Shibahara H, Obara H, et al. Dynamic changes of the immunoglobulins in patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: efficacy of a novel treatment using peritoneo-venous shunt. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2002 Jan;47(1):25–30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11883746/
7. Taneichi A, Shibahara H, Obara H, Fujiwara H, et al. Sperm immobilizing antibodies in the sera of infertile women cause low fertilization rates and poor embryo quality in vitro. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2002 Jan;47 (1):46–51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11883749/
8. Obara H, Shibahara H, Sato I, et al. Prediction of unexpectedly poor fertilization and pregnancy outcome using the strict criteria for sperm morphology before and after sperm separation in IVF–ET Int J Androl. 2001 Apr;24(2):102-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11298844/
9. Watanabe T, Minakami, Obara H, et al. Effect of labor on maternal dehydration, starvation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis : Journal of Perinatal Medicine. J Perinat Med. 2001 Jan;29 (6):528-34. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/JPM.2001.073/html
10. Shibahara H, Fujiwara H, Obara H, et al. Usefulness of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy in investigating infertile women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Hum Reprod. 2001 Aug;16 (8):1690–3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11473964/
11. Shibahara H, Obara H , Sato I. et. al. Activity of testis angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in ejaculated human spermatozoa. Int J Androl. 2001 Oct;24 (5):295-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11554987/
12. Hirano Y, Shibahara H, Obara H, et al. Relationships between sperm motility characteristics assessed by the computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and fertilization rates in vitro. J Assist Reprod Genet 2001 Apr;18 (4):213–8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11432113/
13. Shibahara H, Tanaka Y, Obara H, et al. Comparison of pregnancy outcome between gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Singapore J Obs . 2001 July;32:43–6. http://www.ogss.net/Index/images/stories/Vol32No2Article8.pdf
14. Watanabe T, Minakami H, Obara H, et al. Effect of Heparin on Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in Patients Undergoing Gynecologic or Obstetric Surgery. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2001;51 (3):178-83. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11306905/

Other publications

■Translated book (From English to Japanese)

1. Pill book by the pill doctor (Japanese translation of The Pill Book by Professor John Guillebaud), compiled by Dr Saotome T, Medical tribune publisher, 2001. (I translated one chapter of the book). Amazon Site

WHO publications technically contributed

■WHO recommendations contributed as a member of Guideline Development Group

1. WHO recommendations on outpatient settings for induction of labour (Oct 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240055810
2. WHO recommendations on induction of labour, at or beyond term (Oct 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240052796
3. WHO recommendations on mechanical methods for induction of labour (Oct 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240055780
4. WHO recommendations on antenatal corticosteroids for improving preterm birth outcomes (Sep 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057296
5. WHO recommendation on tocolytic therapy for improving preterm birth outcomes (Sep 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057227
6. WHO Abortion Care Guidelines (March 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483
7. WHO. WHO recommendations on antiplatelet agents for the prevention of pre-eclampsia. (Dec 2021)
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240037540
8. WHO, WHO recommendation on Routine antibiotic prophylaxis for women undergoing operative vaginal birth (June 2021）
   https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/341862/9789240027992-eng.pdf
9. WHO, WHO recommendation on Prophylactic antibiotics for women undergoing caesarean section (June 2021）
   https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/341865/9789240028012-eng.pdf
10. WHO, WHO recommendations on Choice of antiseptic agent and method of application for preoperative skin preparation for caesarean section (June 2021)
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/341864/9789240028036-eng.pdf
11. WHO, WHO recommendation on Vaginal preparation with antiseptic agents for women undergoing caesarean section (June 2021)
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/341863/9789240028050-eng.pdf
12. WHO recommendation on antihypertensive drugs for non-severe hypertension in pregnancy,
    https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240008793
13. WHO, Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: Guidelines on antiviral prophylaxis in pregnancy, 2020.
    https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978-92-4-000270-8
14. WHO, Recommendation on calcium supplementation before pregnancy for the prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications, 2020.
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331787/9789240003118-eng.pdf?ua=1
15. WHO, Contraceptive eligibility for women at high risk of HIV- Guidance statement - Recommendations on contraceptive methods used by women at high risk of HIV, 2019
    https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550574
16. WHO, Uterotonics for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277276/9789241550420-eng.pdf?ua=1
17. WHO, Induction of labour at or beyond term, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277233/9789241550413-eng.pdf?ua=1
18. WHO, Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277235/9789241550451-eng.pdf?ua=1
19. WHO, Drug treatment for severe hypertension in pregnancy, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277234/9789241550437-eng.pdf?ua=1
20. WHO, Policy of interventionist versus expectant management of severe pre-eclampsia before term, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277236/9789241550444-eng.pdf?ua=1
21. WHO, Medical management of abortion, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/278968/9789241550406-eng.pdf?ua=1
22. WHO, WHO Recommendations on Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience, 2018
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/260178/9789241550215-eng.pdf?sequence=1
23. WHO, WHO recommendation on tranexamic acid for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage, 2017
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493081/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK493081.pdf

■Contributed as an international committee member

1. WHO. Target product profile for drugs to prevent pre-eclampsia. Nov 2023
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240081130　
2. Who, Target product profile for drugs to treat pre-eclampsia Nov 2023
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240081154
3. WHO. Born too soon: decade of action on preterm birth May 2023 Chapter 4. Women’s health and maternal health services: seizing missed opportunities to prevent and manage preterm birth
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073890　　
4. WHO, Expert Consultation on Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis in the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines, 20-21 February 2017 : meeting report
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/258656

■Contributed as an external reviewer

1. WHO, Consolidated guideline on self-care interventions for health: sexual and reproductive health and rights,
2. WHO, Consolidated guideline on self-care interventions for health: sexual and reproductive health and rights, 2019
   https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/325480/9789241550550-eng.pdf
3. WHO. Consolidated guideline on sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV, WHO 2017
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549998
4. WHO. Health worker roles in providing safe abortion care and post-abortion contraception. WHO, 2015
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/181041
　

■Contributed as an independent review group member of WPRO newborn programme

1. Third biennial progress report: 2018-2020 (‎Action Plan for Health Newborn Infants in the Western Pacific Region: 2014-2020)‎
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290619642
2. WPRO. Third Biennial Meeting on Accelerating Progress in Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC): Synergies with Hospital Quality and Safety, December 2020 Virtual meeting, Meeting Report. 2021
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/340356　
3. WPRO, Second biennial progress report (2016-2017), 2018 (Contributed as a member of Independent Review Group)
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/272803　
4. WPRO, Second Biennial Meeting on Accelerating Progress in Early Essential Newborn Care, Da Nang, Viet Nam, Meeting report, 2017 (Contributed as a member of Independent Review Group)
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/259502
5. WHO, First biennial progress report : action plan for healthy newborn infants in the Western Pacific Region), 2016
   https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/275426/9789290617822-eng.pdf　
6. WPRO. Workshop on validation of early essential newborn care progress (Contributed as a resource person) 2015
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/208804
7. WPRO. Meeting Report: Meeting on Accelerating Progress in Early Essential Newborn Care, Tokyo, Japan, 21-25 September 2015 (Contributed as co-host and temporary advisor
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/208808
8. WHO. Action Plan for Healthy Newborn Infants in the Western Pacific Region (2014-2020). WHO, 2014
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/207766

■Contributed as a TAG member (MoNITOR)

1. WHO. Technical Advisory Meeting of the Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results (MoNITOR) Group Executive Meeting Summary (July 2023)
   https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monitor-meeting-executive-summary-july-2027
2. WHO. Technical Advisory Meeting of the Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results (MoNITOR) Group Executive Meeting Summary (Nov-Dec 2022)
3. WHO. Technical Advisory Meeting of the Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results (MoNITOR) Group Executive Meeting Summary (June 2022)
   https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monitor-meeting-executive-summary-7---9-june-2022
4. WHO. Technical Advisory Meeting of the Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results (MoNITOR) Group Executive Meeting Summary (Nov-Dec 2021)
   https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monitor-meeting-executive-summary-nov-dec-2021
5. WHO. Technical Advisory Meeting of the Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results (MoNITOR) Group Executive Meeting Summary (May 2021)
   https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/mca-documents/advisory-groups/monitor/monitor_executive_summary_may_2021.pdf?sfvrsn=dd34367a_9
6. WHO. Technical Advisory Meeting of the Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results (MoNITOR) Group Executive Meeting Summary (Dec 2020)
   https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/monitor-meeting-executive-summary-dec-2020

■Contributed as a staff member of WHO

1. WHO, Success factors for women’s and children’s health: Lao PDR, 2015
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/178630
2. WHO, Success factors for women’s and children’s health: China, 2015
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/178627
3. WHO, Success factors for women’s and children’s health: Viet Nam, 2015
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/178633
4. WHO, Success factors for women’s and children’s health: Cambodia, 2015
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/178625
5. WHO. Success factors for women’s and children’s health: Policy and programme highlights from 10 fast-track countries. WHO, 2014 (Acknowledged as a technical supporter)
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/178624
6. WHO. Trends in Maternal Mortality:1990 to 2013 Estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, The World Bank and the United Nations Population Division. WHO, 2014
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/112682
7. WHO. Regional Framework for Reproductive Health in the Western Pacific. WHO, 2013
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/206908
8. WHO. Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage, WHO 2012
   https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/75411

Invited speakers (In English)

1. H Obara　Pregnancy and Diabetes, Semi-annual meeting, Cambodian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. June 2019
2. H Obara　The situation of triple elimination in Lao PDR. Expert consultation on triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis in the Western Pacific Meeting Report WPRO, February 2018 (Manila, Philippines)
3. H Obara (Impact of access to midwifery services on the neonate. In Second Glob（al Midwifery Symposium, Strengthening Quality Midwifery Care: Making Strides Addressing Challenges. 2013. KL Malaysia
4. H. Obara Situation of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health（MNCH）in Resource-Limited Settings and Progress towards Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5 - Possible Ways in which Human Resources in Japan could Contribute to Improving MNCH around the World. In Acta obstetrica et gynaecologica japonica. THE 64TH ANNUAL CONGRESS OF JAPAN SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY-International Workshop- 2012. Kobe, Japan

Invited speakers (In Japanese)

1. H Obara. 76th Annual Conference of Japan Ob Gyn society. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Comparison of situation of Japan and the World regarding SRHR. April 2024. Yokohama, Japan.
2. Fujita N. Obara H. Haruyama R. The 75th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Award Commemorative Lecture Activities for Strengthening Human Resource Development System for Improvement of Maternal and Child Health and Obstetrics/Gynecology Care in Low and Middle Income Countries: Past and Future of Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors - Activities for Strengthening Human Resource Development System for Improvement of Maternal and Child Health and Obstetrics/Gynecology Care in Developing Countries - (Abstract: Journal of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 74, Special Issue, 2022)
3. Obara H. The 34th Annual Conference of the International Society for Global health. Special Program 3 Diverse International Contributions by Medical Professionals - From Individual Activities to Organized Activities - "Contribution to the Improvement of Reproductive Health in the World through Cooperative Collaboration between the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Cambodian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology" December 2019, Mie (by the President of the Society) (Lecture given at the request of the President of the conference).
4. Obara H. The 18th Symposium on International Society for Global Health "Global Approach to Maternal and Child Health," "15 Years of Efforts in Cambodia" (symposium presenter) Organized by Japan Foundation for International Cooperation in Medical Research, Japan Foundation for Pediatric Research Supported by National Center for Global Health, UNFPA Tokyo Office, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan Society of Pediatrics Japan Society for International Health. Tokyo, November 2009 (Invited symposiast from Phnom Penh to Tokyo at the request of the above-mentioned foundation).
5. Obara H.　 The 23rd Annual Conference of the Japan Society for International Health and Medical Sciences, The 49th Annual Conference of the Japanese Society of Tropical Medicine. Joint Conference. Workshop Encounters with Global Fund, GAVI, Gates Foundation Current Status and Prospects of International Financial Mechanisms in Health System Strengthening "Linkage between International Financial Mechanisms and Technical Cooperation: Case of Cambodia", Tokyo, October 2008 (Lecture given at the request of the organizer of this workshop at the conference workshop)
6. Obara H. The 22nd Annual Conference of the International Society for Health and Medical Sciences. Workshop "Newborn Care Intervention in Maternal and Child Health Project", Osaka, October 2007 (Requested by the International Society for Pediatrics).

International Conferences

1. Yourkavitch J, Obara H, Usmanova G, Semrau K, Moller A, Garcia-Casal MN, and Daru J. A Rapid Landscape Review of Postpartum Anaemia Measurement: Challenges & Opportunities. Poster presentation. XXIV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics（FIGO 2023）. October 2023, Paris France.
2. Sovanara H, Haruyama R, Obara H, Fujita N. et. al. Magnitude and predictors for non-collection of cervical cytology results at a national hospital in Phnom Penh. 　ISP16-6. 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021..Niigata, Japan
3. H Obara, N Fujita, K Kakimoto. Analysis of contraceptive related articles and abstracts in Acta Obstetrica et Gynaecologica Japonica for 65 years―1949 to 2013, 233 (S93). In Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.（Good Poster Award）. 2014. Tokyo, Japan
4. OBARA H, Sakurai Y, Nagai M, Matsuoka S, Ket Ly S, Koum K, How can we support midwives working in the rural areas? - Support mechanism for health center midwives in Cambodia, Geneva Health Forum2010, Geneva, Switzerland, 19-21 April 2010
5. Obara H , Shibahara H, Tanaka Y ,Tamura N, Ohno T, Fujiwara H, Ogawa S, Sato I: Relationship between sperm morphology assessed by Kruger’s strict criteria and fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome in IVF-ET Ⅻth Asian and Oseanic Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology July 9-14, 2000
6. Obara H , Shibahara H, Taneichi A, Yamauchi A, Tshnoda T, Takamizawa S, Sato I:Successful pregnancy in an infertile woman with conservatively treated brain tumor (gerinoma) after ovulation induction with gonadotropin and intra-uterine insemination Ⅻth Asian and Oceanic Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology July 9-14, 2000
7. Obara H ,Hisanori Minakami, Koike Toshimitsu, Shigeki Matsubara, Ikuo Sato: Vaginal birth after cesarean section, First world congress on maternal　mortality ,Marrakesh, Morocco March 1997

Web stories and newspapers

1. KIZUNA Steady Progress Toward Eliminating Global Healthcare Disparities　26/05/2023
   https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2023/05/eliminating_healthcare_disparities.html
   https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/_userdata/pdf/2023/summer2023/eliminating_healthcare_disparities.pdf
   May 2023
2. Global Role Model Series. Hiromi Obara, Global Health Human Resource Center, NCGM, website
   https://hrc-gh.ncgm.go.jp/job-global/role_model/file11
   2019
3. Bringing to Laos a Health Care System That Gives Peace of Mind to All – Web News by JICA Dec 2018（JICA online web news ）
4. Award-winning OB-GYN: Japanese health advisor achieves global recognition for efforts in Laos. The Laotian Times, Nov 2018
   https://laotiantimes.com/2018/11/19/global-award-figo-obara-medic/