Drumming for change in Africa: Building Resilient Primary Healthcare Systems, A Focus on Innovations and Sustainability.
About Us
Welcome to the 8th WONCA’s Africa Conference 2024, where innovation, collaboration, and excellence converge in the dynamic world of medicine. Our conference is a distinguished gathering of dedicated medical practitioners, researchers, and professionals who are committed to advancing healthcare through knowledge-sharing, cutting-edge research, and transformative ideas.
In collaboration with KAFP
About Us
At WONCA, we take pride in being at the forefront of fostering a collaborative environment that unites healthcare professionals from various specialties. Our mission is to create a platform that transcends boundaries, encouraging the exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise to propel the field of medicine forward.
- Diverse Expertise: Our conference brings together a diverse array of medical practitioners, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers, and allied health professionals. This diversity enriches the learning experience and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Cutting-edge Research: We are a hub for the latest advancements in medical research. We showcase groundbreaking studies and provide a forum for researchers to present their findings, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
- Interactive Sessions: We believe in the power of interaction. Our conference features a variety of interactive sessions, including workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions, allowing participants to engage with experts, share insights, and participate in hands-on learning experiences.
- Global Perspective: In an interconnected world, a global perspective is essential. We attract participants from around the globe, creating a melting pot of ideas and approaches that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare challenges and solutions.
- Practical Applications: We emphasize the practical application of knowledge. Attendees leave our conference equipped with actionable insights and strategies that can be implemented in their respective healthcare settings, ensuring a direct impact on patient care.
- Networking Opportunities: Building meaningful connections is a cornerstone of WONCA. Our networking events provide a relaxed and informal setting for participants to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships that can last a lifetime.
Dr. Joy K. Mugambi, Family Physician
Chair Kenya Association of Family Physicians,
Chair 8th WONCA Africa Region conference 2024.
Conference Remarks- 8th WONCA Africa Region Conference 2024
Kenya Association of family Physicians welcome’s you to the 8th WONCA Africa Region Conference, themed “Drumming for Change in Africa: Building resilient Primary Health Care systems with a focus on innovations and sustainability.” It is an honour to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Family Physicians, Primary Healthcare providers, Policy makers, Patient groups, Development partners, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Faith Based Organizations. The venue will be Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, a city renowned for its rich culture, diversity, and innovation. This remarkable venue will serve as the backdrop for our conference from the 5th to the 8th of June 2024.
The theme of this conference encapsulates our collective vision for a brighter and healthier Africa. Just as the rhythmic beat of a drum reverberates through the heart and soul of our communities, we, too, seek to resonate with innovative and sustainable solutions that will shape the future of Primary Healthcare on our continent. Our goal is clear: to build resilient Primary Health Care systems that can withstand the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Family Physicians and Primary Healthcare providers are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, ensuring that individuals and communities receive the care they need. Policy makers play a crucial role in shaping the healthcare landscape, while patient groups provide invaluable insights into the lived experiences of those we aim to serve. Development partners, NGOs, and faith-based organizations are critical allies in our mission to improve health and well-being.
Throughout the course of this conference, we will engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and explore innovative approaches that can transform healthcare delivery across Africa. We will address pressing issues, exchange knowledge, and forge partnerships that can lead to impactful changes.
Together, we can create a harmonious symphony of ideas, experiences, and expertise that will resonate far beyond the confines of this conference. Our collective knowledge and dedication to building resilient Primary Health Care systems will pave the way for a healthier and more vibrant Africa.
I encourage all of you to actively register, send in abstracts to share your thoughts and experiences. Let us learn from one another and inspire change through collaboration. Together, we will beat the drum of transformation, and the rhythm of our collective efforts will echo across the African continent. Once again, welcome (Karibu) to the 8th WONCA Africa Region Conference at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Jane Frances Namatovu
President (2023-2025), WONCA Africa Region.
Message from WONCA Africa Region President
Dear Colleagues,
I welcome you all with great pleasure to East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya for the 8th WONCA Africa Regional Conference. We all join the theme of “Drumming for change in Africa: Building resilient primary health care systems, a focus on innovations and sustainability”. The training of family doctors has steadily grown and we are now enough to effectively drum for change! Thank you for being part of the drumming. It is now or never!
We are proud of our host, the Kenya Association of Family Physicians led by Dr. Joy Mugambi for their tireless efforts organising this conference. Whilst it is a conference for WONCA Africa Region, it is also a conference for Kenyan family doctors that gives them the opportunity to reflect on their primary health care system and be able to serve the nation’s population effectively and efficiently. This is also the time for all the other African countries to reflect on the status of their primary care services. We further hope to impact on the budding careers of medical students with the rich experience in primary care practice and research as we recruit the next generation of primary care doctors on the African continent.
Family doctors must be engines for creative and innovative thinking aimed at addressing the pressing primary health care challenges in our society. This conference presents an opportunity for Wonca member organisations in Africa and beyond to reach new heights regarding quality, quantity and relevance of the family doctors with whom we network. Sincere appreciation is to everyone that will come and share their experiences in plenaries, presentations, posters and workshops. Special thanks to all the key note speakers for their time and much valued experience in the field of primary care.
The Wonca Africa Executive Committee through the Local Organising Committee promises an eventful 8th Wonca Africa Regional conference. I wish you all a memorable and enjoyable stay in Nairobi, Kenya.
Asante Sana!
Who is WONCA?
WONCA Bylaws
Bylaws (Nov 2021). The World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians WONCA. As approved by WONCA Council
WONCA Organisational Policies
Organizational Policies, August 2023. Approved by WONCA Executive on 28 September 2023.
WONCA Annual Reports
WONCA Annual Reports 2013 to 2022.
Testimonials
What People Say
The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) is a not-for-profit organization and was founded in 1972 by member organizations in 18 countries. WONCA now has 133 Member Organizations in 111 countries and territories with membership of about 500,000 family doctors and more than 90 per cent of the world’s population. This includes eight organizations in collaborative relations with WONCA. There are some 35 members in the Academic membership category, which consists of Academic Departments of Family Medicine. Over 800 individual general practitioners and family physicians have chose to join WONCA in their own right. Membership of WONCA.
WONCA’s 2024 conference is proudly hosted by KAFP, The Kenya Association of Family Physicians which is the umbrella body for Family Physicians and General Practitioners in the Republic of Kenya. The association was founded in May 2003 with the mandate of supporting the development of Comprehensive Primary Care networks across Kenya. It currently has approximately 200 members countrywide.
WONCA Structure
01
WONCA's Council
WONCA is governed by a World Council that meets once every two to three years just before the world conference. The Council comprises the representatives of member organizations and the officers of WONCA.
WONCA’s Council appoints a number of committees every time they meet. List of WONCA statutory committees and their members.
02
WONCA Executive Committee
The Council elects an Executive Committee that consists of the President, President-Elect, three Members-at-Large, and a Regional President from each of the seven regions (Africa, Asia Pacific, East Mediterranean, Europe, Iberoamericana, North America, and South Asia). In 2013 a young doctor member was added. The Chief Executive Officer is a member of Executive. The Executive Committee meets up to twice yearly and has full authority to act for and on behalf of the World Council between meetings of the Council. WONCA conducts its work through its statutory committees, Working Parties, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
03
WONCA 'groups'
WONCA has a number of Working Parties, Special Interest Groups and Young Doctors’ movements that work between world council meetings to progress specific areas of interest to WONCA and its members around the globe. These groups comprise hundreds of family doctors who meet three yearly, sometimes more often, and in between work by correspondence. Over the years they have carried out groundbreaking studies and research, and have produced a variety of important publications.
04
WONCA regions and member organizations
WONCA has seven regions, each of which has their own regional Council and run their own regional activities including conferences.