I’m happy to share with you the latest from WONCA News, where we highlight our collective efforts to strengthen family medicine worldwide. Our team recently spoke at the WHO Executive Board meeting, emphasising the vital role of family doctors in setting global health policies. Meanwhile, the SPACE Project explores how social prescribing can improve recovery for cancer survivors, and the OECD’s PaRIS program focuses on measuring patient experiences in chronic care.
We’re also celebrating the Japan Primary Care Association’s newly accredited postgraduate training program, and our MDD Minds project continues equipping family doctors to address major depressive disorder worldwide. On the horizon, World Family Doctor Day 2025 will spotlight “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.”
In this newsletter, you’ll find details on upcoming conferences—perfect for presenting your work, meeting peers, and influencing the future of primary care. We also have webinars on climate change, rural health, meditation, and strategies for influencing government policy. If you’re an early-career doctor, look out for our scholarships and awards, designed to expand your horizons and help you excel.
Finally, consider becoming a Direct Member of WONCA for exclusive benefits and opportunities. Thank you for your commitment, and I hope these updates inspire you to stay involved!
WONCA NEWS
WONCA AT THE WHO EXECUTIVE BOARD: WONCA participated in the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board (EB156) in Geneva, strengthening its engagement in global health policy. The WHO Executive Board consists of 34 technically qualified members, who set the agenda for the World Health Assembly and shape key health resolutions. As an NGO in official relations with WHO, WONCA ensures that family medicine remains central to global health discussions. Representing WONCA at the meeting was Prof. María Pilar Astier-Peña (Spain), WONCA’s WHO Liaison, while Lucía Pérez Gómez of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) also delivered statements on WONCA’s behalf.
Advocating for Family Medicine: WONCA used its platform at EB156 to make the case for family medicine as the foundation of strong primary healthcare systems. In its statements, WONCA called for greater recognition of family doctors as essential healthcare providers, emphasizing their role in community-based, patient-centred care. WONCA urged governments to invest in primary care and family medicine as a means to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), improve patient outcomes, and reduce health system burdens. WONCA also highlighted the role of family doctors in emergency preparedness and called for climate-conscious healthcare strategies to address environmental health risks. Read or watch our statements here
SPACE PROJECT: The Social Prescribing and Civic Engagement (SPACE) Project, funded by Erasmus+ (European Union) and led by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), explores how social prescribing and volunteering can support cancer survivors. By integrating community engagement—such as urban gardening—into recovery programs, the project aims to enhance well-being, reduce isolation, and improve rehabilitation. WONCA, alongside seven partner organizations, will contribute expertise in primary care and cancer management, ensuring that social prescribing is effectively embedded in primary care settings to better support patients.
WONCA’s role: On January 31, 2025, WONCA representatives Prof. Joyce Kenkre (UK) and Dr. Ferdinando Petrazzuoli (Italy) attended the first research meeting in Barcelona. Discussions focused on developing a flexible social prescribing model for diverse healthcare systems. WONCA will lead a survey targeting primary care workers, shaping evidence-based approaches to integrating social prescribing into cancer care. Read more.
OECD PaRIS REPORT: As chronic conditions become more prevalent worldwide, family doctors are key to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. The OECD’s Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) initiative provides critical insights into how people with chronic conditions experience healthcare and what truly improves their well-being. By focusing on patient-reported outcomes rather than traditional metrics, PaRIS highlights what matters most—access, continuity of care, trust, and digital integration. With family doctors leading the charge, these findings can drive real improvements in primary care, ensuring that healthcare systems prioritize patient needs and experiences. WONCA is proud to support this initiative, recognizing its potential to transform care delivery globally. Read more.
Join the PaRIS Report Launch: Don’t miss the launch of the PaRIS flagship report on 20 February 2025, in Lisbon and online. This event will explore key insights from the survey, highlighting the role of family doctors in shaping people-centred healthcare. Register now and be part of the conversation on how primary care can better serve people with chronic conditions.
WONCA ACCREDITS JAPANESE PRIMARY CARE PROGRAM: The Japan Primary Care Association (JPCA) has achieved full WONCA accreditation for its new four-year postgraduate training program, marking a milestone for family medicine in Japan. Following a comprehensive review and site visit in July 2024, led by Prof. Victor Ng and Prof. Krishna Suvarnabhumi, the program was praised for its faculty development, structured assessments, and continuous quality improvement. WONCA accreditation assures trainees that the JPCA program meets global standards, strengthening Japan’s primary care system. Read more.
New website: WONCA has launched a newly redesigned website, making it easier than ever to access information about its Accreditation Program. From postgraduate training and CPD accreditation to practice accreditation and digital systems assessment, the site provides clear guidance on how institutions can achieve global recognition. Learn more about accreditation services and start your journey today.
MDD MINDS: INTEGRATING MENTAL HEALTH INTO PRIMARY CARE: The MDD Minds project was created to address the growing global challenge of major depressive disorder (MDD) by equipping primary care professionals with the tools, training, and resources needed to provide better mental health care. With depression now the leading cause of disability worldwide and millions going undiagnosed or untreated, primary care must play a central role in addressing this crisis. MDD Minds has worked across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, ensuring that family doctors are prepared to integrate mental health into their daily practice.
The MDD Minds project was funded by an unrestricted grant from Pfizer.
Invitation: On Monday, March 24, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, the MDD Minds Closing Event will bring together experts, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to reflect on the project’s achievements and discuss the future of mental health in primary care. The event will feature regional success stories, a final project report, and the launch of online training resources, along with discussions on scaling mental health integration worldwide. In-person participation is encouraged, but a livestream will be available for global attendees. Find more information on the closing event here.
WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY: We are excited to officially launch the 2025 World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) campaign at the MDD Minds Closing Event! This year’s theme, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” highlights the critical role of primary health care in promoting mental well-being. Through trust, continuity, and early intervention, family doctors play a vital part in helping patients navigate mental health challenges and build resilience. At the same time, family doctors themselves face immense pressures, yet their own mental well-being is often overlooked. This campaign celebrates family doctors worldwide, recognizing their dedication while encouraging them to prioritize their own resilience and self-care. A toolkit with key messages, advocacy materials, and social media resources will be available to support these efforts. Through webinars, storytelling initiatives, and hundreds of events across the globe, we will emphasize the need for strong primary care networks that support both patients and healthcare providers.
Every year, this campaign continues to grow, reaching more communities and amplifying the voice of family doctors. We look forward to the continued engagement of WONCA’s member organizations, partners, and the 500,000 family doctors represented by WONCA in making this campaign a global success!
CALL TO ACTION: LIFE-COURSE VACCINATION: WONCA joins leading international health organizations in advocating for equitable access to vaccines across all stages of life. Following a meeting in Geneva, global health and community NGOs have issued a Call to Action urging investment in comprehensive vaccination programs. Strengthening vaccine confidence, expanding access, and integrating immunization into broader health strategies are essential steps to protecting populations and building resilient health systems. Read the full statement.
WONCA WORLD CONFERENCE
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE – 31 MARCH: The WONCA World Conference 2025 in Lisbon (17–21 September) is your opportunity to present your research, ideas, and innovations on the global stage. With the theme “New Vision for Primary Health Care and Sustainable Development,” this conference will bring together thousands of family doctors from around the world to shape the future of primary care.
WONCA YOUNG DOCTORS’ MOVEMENT PRECONFERENCE 2025: Are you a young doctor looking to connect, learn, and present your work on a global stage? The WONCA YDM Preconference takes place just before the WONCA World Conference 2025 in Lisbon and offers an affordable, high-value experience tailored to early-career family doctors. Enjoy plenary sessions, networking opportunities, access to social events, and conference materials, all while building connections with peers worldwide. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vibrant, supportive global community!
Call for Abstracts: Abstract submissions for the WONCA YDM Preconference 2025 are now open! Take the opportunity to present your research, gain feedback, and engage with fellow young doctors from across the world. Join this WhatsApp community for updates, tips on abstract submissions, and deadlines.
WONCA is committed to fostering the next generation of family doctors and strengthening global primary care through three prestigious awards. These initiatives provide financial support for young doctors, emerging leaders, and physicians from underrepresented regions to attend the WONCA World Conference, share their research, and engage in international collaboration—ensuring a stronger, more connected future for family medicine.
MONTEGUT GLOBAL SCHOLAR PROGRAM: This award, supported by the American Board of Family Medicine Foundation, funds seven family doctors (one per WONCA region) with $5,000 USD each to attend the WONCA World Conference 2025 in Lisbon. Since 2010, the program has fostered global education and collaboration in family medicine. Apply by 21 March 2025.
TAIWAN FAMILY MEDICINE RESEARCH AWARD: Established in 2008 by the Chinese Taipei Association of Family Medicine, this award supports three junior family medicine researchers annually with $1,500 USD each for travel to the WONCA World Conference. At least one recipient will be from the Asia-Pacific region. Apply by 21 March 2025 for recognition in Lisbon. Apply here.
DONALD LI YDM GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP: This new scholarship supports three young doctors from low- and middle-income countries with $2,500 USD each to attend the WONCA World Conference 2025 in Lisbon. The award covers travel, visa, accommodation, and registration costs. Apply by 21 March 2025. Apply here.
NOMINATE A FIVE STAR DOCTOR – DEADLINE 14 MARCH: The WONCA Five Star Doctor Award is our most prestigious honour, recognizing excellence in family medicine. While there is no monetary prize, this award celebrates outstanding family doctors who embody the five-star attributes: care provider, decision-maker, communicator, community leader, and team member. Regional winners advance to the Global Five Star Doctor Award, to be announced at WONCA 2025 in Lisbon. Nominate a doctor here.
WONCA REGIONAL CONFERENCES
WONCA SAR 2025: The WONCA South Asia Region (SAR) Conference 2025 in Bengaluru, India is fast approaching! Under the theme “Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Innovation,” this event explores the evolution of family medicine in South Asia, balancing holistic healthcare traditions with modern advancements. This is your chance to present your research, insights, and innovations to a global audience of primary care leaders. Submit your abstract for oral presentations, posters, symposiums, or workshops before the deadline! Deadline: 15 February 2025 (THIS SATURDAY). Submit here
Bengaluru: India’s thriving tech and healthcare hub, offers a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation—the perfect setting for this year’s conference. Enjoy its vibrant culture, world-class infrastructure, and outstanding hospitality, while engaging in thought-provoking discussions on the future of family medicine.
International Participation: Expect high-impact sessions, networking opportunities, and engaging social events at the WONCA SAR 2025 Conference, which will bring together family doctors from across the world, with confirmed participation from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, Malaysia, Egypt, the UK, the US, and beyond. Highlights include the Global Rural Health Summit, tackling rural healthcare challenges in LMICs, a keynote on Palliative Care in Family Medicine by Dr. M R Rajagopal, a workshop on Epilepsy Care in Primary Care led by Dr. Mamta Bhushan Singh (AIIMS, New Delhi), and a session on Primary Care as the Cornerstone of Healthcare featuring Dr. K. Sri Ranjan, President WONCA SAR.
THE FUN CONTINUES – WONCA APR SQUID GAME: Following the success of their APT parody video, the WONCA APR 2025 team has launched a Squid Game-inspired challenge! This creative take on the journey to Busan puts family medicine in the spotlight, but don’t worry—no eliminations here, just fun, learning, and a taste of Korea’s global pop culture! Check it out.
The Venue: Join us at BPEX, Busan, from April 24-27, 2025, for a truly immersive experience in family medicine, networking, and cultural exchange. Conference highlights include keynote speeches from WONCA President Karen Flegg, President-Elect Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, Kakao Healthcare CEO Hee Hwang, and Professor Belong Cho of Seoul National University. Dates: April 24–27, 2025.
WONCA EAST MEDITERRANEAN REGION CONFERENCE 2025: Tangier, Morocco will be hosting the WONCA East Mediterranean Region (EMR) Congress 2025 at the Hilton Houara Hotel from May 8–11, 2025. Nestled at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Tangier is a city of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern innovation. Explore its ancient Kasbah and Medina, Cape Spartel, and the Caves of Hercules, or experience its dynamic blend of tradition and progress through its world-class infrastructure, cuisine, and hospitality. Read more about Tangier.
Abstract submission: Make your mark at the WONCA EMR Congress 2025 by submitting an abstract and sharing your insights with family doctors from across the region. The deadline for abstract submissions is March 1, 2025, with author notifications sent by March 20. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to discussions on Digital Horizons in Medical Education and Healthcare while experiencing the unique setting of Tangier. Submit here.
BECOME A DIRECT MEMBER OF WONCA: Join WONCA as a Direct Member and get exclusive discounts on registration for the WONCA World Conference 2025 in Lisbon and upcoming regional conferences in the East Mediterranean (EMR), South Asia (SAR), and Asia Pacific (APR). Direct Members also enjoy access to member-only resources and tools, along with opportunities to connect with a global network of family medicine professionals.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF eHEALTH TERMINOLOGY: What do we really mean when we talk about Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, or Telemedicine? These terms are widely used in digital health, yet their definitions can vary across disciplines, regions, and contexts. The Working Party on eHealth is updating its Lexicon to ensure a shared understanding of key terms in digital health—and they need your input! Contribute by refining, expanding, or clarifying definitions. Learn more.
WONCA WEBINARS
Climate Change, Urbanization, and the Future of Rural Health: The fourth pre-summit webinar as part of the Global Rural Health Summit taking place in Bengaluru, India is titled Climate Change, Urbanization, and the Future of Rural Health. Date: Tuesday, 11 February 2025 (TODAY) Time: 15:30 UTC. Register here.
Protecting Planetary Health in South Asia: Join us for an engaging webinar on environmental change, urbanization, and planetary health in South Asia. Experts, including Assoc. Prof. Aparna Lal (Australia), Prof. Ejaz Ahmad Khan (Pakistan), and Dr. Sankha Randenikumara (Sri Lanka), will explore the intersection of health and the environment, with a focus on advocacy and policy change. Moderated by Dr. Hina Jawaid (Pakistan), this session is a must for those committed to sustainable healthcare solutions. Date: Saturday, 15 February 2025 Time: 08:00 UTC. Join the webinar.
The Benefits of Meditation: The WONCA Special Interest Group on Integrative Care invites you to an insightful webinar featuring Dr. Inês Espiga Macedo (Portugal), a specialist in Family Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Meditation, and Qigong. This session will explore meditation’s origins, techniques, and the growing scientific evidence supporting its health benefits. Interpretation in Spanish and Mandarin will be available. Date: Saturday, 22 February 2025 Time: 14:00 UTC. Register here.
Influencing Governments: The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and WHO will host a webinar with experts from the UK, Hong Kong, Australia, and Africa sharing insights on how primary care can influence governments and policymakers. Speakers include Prof. Kamila Hawthorne (RCGP), Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo (WHO), Prof. William Chi Wai Wong (Hong Kong), and WONCA past-president Prof Michael Kidd (Australia). Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025 Time: 12:00–13:15 UTC. Register.
