FROM THE PRESIDENT
A / P R O F K A R E N F L E G , W O
Ithasbeenaninspiringyearofprogress,collaboration,andrenewedpurposeforWONCA.In late 2023, I stepped into the role of President, guided by four core themes: Governance, Greening,Growth,andGratitude WiththesupportofourdedicatedExecutiveCommittee,we have strengthened our internal bylaws, enhanced our regional networks, and advanced new initiativesforplanetaryhealthandsustainablepractice
Governance:SincetakinguptheroleofPresident,Ihavefocusedonstrengtheningthefoundationofourorganisation Thisyear,ourstatutory committees and task forces introduced new policies such as clearer declarations of interest and enhanced election procedures to ensure transparencyandaccountability Byrefiningourgovernance,wereinforcepublictrustandsupportallthosewhoserveinourglobalfamilyof doctors.
Greening:Environmentalresponsibilityhasbeenatthecoreofouragenda Fromimplementingsustainableeventguidelinesatconferencesto boostingawarenessofplanetaryhealth,westrivetoreduceourcarbonfootprintandprotectthecommunitiesweserve OurWorkingParties onEnvironmentandRuralPracticechampiongreenerpractices,remindingusthatthehealthofourpatientsisintimatelylinkedtothehealth ofourplanet
Growth:WONCAcontinuestoexpandinbothreachandcapacity.WehavewelcomednewMemberOrganisations,fosteredclosertieswiththe WHO, and agreed a fresh Memorandum of Understanding with PAHO. Meanwhile, our accreditation programs and young doctors’ initiatives buildstrongerpipelinesforthenextgeneration,ensuringthatfamilymedicinethrivesindiversesettingsworldwide
Gratitude:NoneoftheseadvanceswouldbepossiblewithoutthededicationoftheSecretariat,ExecutiveCommittee,andeachmemberwho contributes to our mission To every volunteer who supported our projects, advocated in the field, or mentored a future leader your commitmentfuelsourprogress
Finally,itisfittingtorecallthewordsofourfirstWONCAPresident,DrMontyKent-Hughes,who,in1972,remindedusthat “the future of our professional discipline will depend on our ability to work together in the service of humanity ”Hisvisionstillguidesustodayaswebuildonunity andcollaborationtoimprovefamilymedicineforeveryone Astrongmessagetoleadourworkin2025 IhopetoseemanyofyouinLisbon!
WONCAEXECUTIVECOMMITTEEINSRILANKA,MAY2024
YOUNGDOCTORS'REPRESENTATIVE DRCHANYUENCHINGCHERYL(HONGKONG)
MEMBERATLARGE&2024-2025WHOLIAISON
DRMARÍAPILARASTIERPEÑA(SPAIN)
WONCACHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER
DRHARRISLYGIDAKIS(GREECE)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAASIAPACIFIC
DR BRIANCHANG(TAIWAN)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCANORTHAMERICA DRVICTORKNG(CANADA)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAIBEROAMERICANA-CIMF
DRDORAPATRICIABERNALOCAMPO(COLOMBIA)
WONCAPRESIDENT-ELECT
DRVIVIANAMARTINEZBIANCHI(USA/ARGENTINA)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAEUROPE
PROFSHLOMOVINKER (ISRAEL)
WONCAPRESIDENT
ASSOCIATEPROFESSORKARENFLEGG(AUSTRALIA)
WONCAIMMEDIATEPASTPRESIDENT&2023-2024WHOLIAISON DRANNASTAVDAL(NORWAY)
MEMBERATLARGE&HONORARYTREASURER DRSTEVEMOWLE(UK) EXECUTIVEMEMBERATLARGE
ADJPROFESSORKARENPRICE(AUSTRALIA)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCASOUTHASIA DRKANAPATHIPILLAISRIRANJAN(SRILANKA)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAEASTMEDITERRANEAN DRABDULAZIZMAHMOODNASSERAL-MAHREZI(OMAN)
REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAAFRICA DRJANEFRANCESNAMATOVU(UGANDA)
A HEALTHIER WORLD STARTS WITH STRONG PRIMARY CARE
MISSION
At the heart of this work is our clear mission: To improve the qualityoflifeofthepeoplesof the world by fostering high standards of care in general practice/familymedicine
MEMBERS
WONCA is a global community of over500,000familydoctors,united by134MemberOrganisationsthat shape family medicine education andpractice
Together,weformapowerful networkspanning131countries andterritoriesacrossseven regions
HOW WE WORK: A GLOBAL FAMILY
EXPERT-LED INITIATIVES
WONCA’s Working Parties (WPs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) lead efforts on critical issues in family medicine, including mental health, patientsafety,emergencymedicine,and planetary health. These groups bring together clinicians, educators, and researchers to share expertise, develop guidelines,andinfluenceglobalpolicy
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
The WONCA Executive Committee, elected by members, provides strategic direction and governance, ensuring that WONCA remains responsive to the evolving needs of familymedicine.Supportingthiswork, the WONCA Secretariat, based in Brussels, coordinates operations, communications, and member engagement
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
WONCA works closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), contributing to policies on primary healthcare, universal health coverage, and patient safety Our collaborations extendtoregionalhealthorganizations, medical societies, academic institutions, and advocacy groups, ensuring that family doctors have a strongvoice
SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION
TheYoungDoctors’Movements(YDMs) provide a platform for early-career family doctors to connect, learn, and lead Through mentorship, leadership training, and international exchange programs, young doctors gain new perspectivesonprimarycareworldwide. YDMs foster friendships and peer support, providing community in a demandingprofession
SHARING KNOWLEDGE & PEER SUPPORT
WONCA helps family doctors stay connected through publications, online resources, and networking platforms The WONCA Membership Portal serves as a hub for training materials, mentorship opportunities, and professional discussions, offering a space for peer support and collaboration
CONFERENCES: LEARNING & COMMUNITY
WONCA’s regional and world conferences bring together family doctorstoshareknowledge,debatenew ideas, and shape the future of primary care These gatherings are also an opportunity for reconnection and friendship, with social events and cultural exchanges that reinforce the sense of a global family of family doctors
2024 AT A GLANCE
Launchedourmostambitiousprojecttodate-MDD Mindssupportingmentalhealthinprimarycare
StrengthenedWHOcollaborationonuniversal healthcoverage
Expandedaccreditationservicesforpostgraduate programsandcommunityclinics
STRATEGIC PLAN
2023–2027
GOAL1: ADVANCING FAMILY MEDICINE
Objective 1 A Stimulate research, innovation, and the generation of new knowledge in and about family medicine
Objective 1 B Enable communication and work within and between WONCA groups [1] and regions through enhanced use of digital technology
Objective 1.C Support and facilitate the development of high quality general practice/family medicine throughout the world
Objective 1 D Qualify and quantify our specialty
GOAL2: ONEUNIFIED VOICE
GOAL3: TRANSFORMING WONCA
Objective 2 A Promote WONCA and its messages, as well as Family Medicine and the unique contributions that family doctors make to the health of all people
Objective 2.B Maintain and strengthen the WHO relationship
Objective 2.C Strengthen development of relationships with other PHC organizations and other stakeholders
Objective 2 D WONCA is a leader as a green organization
Objective 3.A Promote inclusivity within WONCA, enabling all views to be heard
Objective 3 B Professionalise the internal governance and management of WONCA through training, leadership programs and improved procedures
Objective 3 C Improve financial stability of WONCA
Objective 3.D Ensure the organization meets its statutory obligations and is insured adequately against risks associated with the organization’s activities
Objective 3 E Strategic Plan
WONCA & WHO PARTNERSHIP
MAKING THE CASE FOR FAMILY MEDICINE GLOBALLY
Since formalising our partnership in 1989, WONCA has leveraged its official relations withtheWorldHealthOrganizationtoamplify the family doctor’s voice in global decisionmaking. This relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to universalhealthcoverage,patientsafety,and person-centredcare
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024
In 2024, WONCA significantly expanded its partnership with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), with agreement on an memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement strengthens family medicine across the Americas and initiated a regionwide survey assessing primary care needs WONCA was also invited as an observer at PAHO’s 61st Directing Council and the WHO RegionalCommitteefortheAmericas
WONCA experts led sessions during the WHO’sGlobalPatientSafetyActionPlan reviews Topics ranged from the safe use of antibiotics and better prescribing practices to the necessity of integrated care pathways that reduce gaps for patientswithchronicconditions
Our leaders delivered statements at the World Health Assembly addressing the need to integrate solutions for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and planetaryhealthinitiativeswithinprimary care.
“Working
side by side with WHO ensures that family medicine remains part of the global health equation, from the drafting of technical guidelines to the shaping of global policy.”
Prof. Maria Pilar Astier Peña, WONCA’s WHO Liaison, pictured with WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
UndertheguidanceofWHOLiaisonOfficerDr. MaríaPilarAstierPeñaandWHOPrimaryCare Services Lead, Dr John Fogarty, WONCA assessed its existing WHO collaboration and developed the new WHO-WONCA Action Plan 2025–2027
Looking forward, WONCA will actively implement the new collaborative plan with WHO, continue engagement with the WHO Academy for primary healthcare training, and expand participation in global health initiatives.
WORKING PARTIES
WONCA’s10WorkingPartiesand14SpecialInterestGroupsbringtogetherexpertstodriveresearch,policy,training, andinnovationinfamilymedicine AfullreportontheiractivitiesisavailableintheAnnualReport,buthere’sajusta sampletheessentialresearch,policy,advocacy,andeducationthatensuresthatWONCAremainsattheforefrontof innovation,evidence-basedpractice,andprofessionaldevelopment
E-HEALTH
Digital health continues to reshape family medicine, and the Working Party on eHealth has been working to ensure that technologyenhances,ratherthandisrupts,patientcare In2024, the Working Party focussed on cybersecurity, and played a leading role researching digital health training needs, gathering insightstoimprovemedicaleducation Theyalsocontributedto WONCA’s Assessment of Digital Systems, a new certification framework designed to evaluate the quality, safety, and scalabilityofdigitalhealthsolutionsinprimarycare
WOMEN & FAMILY MEDICINE
WONCA’s WP on Women and Family Medicine continued its effortstoimprovegenderequityinhealthcare,withafocusthis year on leadership development and support networks for womendoctors Thegroupledhigh-profilewebinarsongenderbased violence and workplace challenges, in collaboration with WONCA’s Young Doctors’ Movements. A new mentorship program was launched to support women in family medicine leadership, helping to create pathways for more female representation in key decision-making roles The Working Party also pushed for policy changes addressing gender disparities in healthcareleadershipatregionalandgloballevels
MENTAL HEALTH
Committed to integrating mental health fully into family medicine, this WP prioritised Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and anxiety management this year. They co-led the MDD Minds project (see Page 11), developing training materials, webinars, andpracticalresourcesforprimarycare
RuralWONCAadvocatesforstrongerruralhealthcaresystemsthrougheducation,policy,andglobal collaboration In 2024, its focus was Ubuntu 2024, the 20th World Rural Health Conference in Cape Town, South Africa The event, co-hosted with The Network: Toward Unity For Health (TUFH) featured field visits, networking, and key discussions, including the John Macleod Oration by Prof. DoraPatriciaBernalOcampoandatalkonGeographicNarcissismbyMalinFors.RuralWONCAalso contributedtoWHOruralequityandworkforceinitiatives
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
The Special Interest Group on Emergency Medicine supports family doctors in managing urgent and emergency care within primary care settings. In 2024, it strengthened its collaboration with WONCA’s Young Doctors Movements, organizing hands-on workshops at regional conferences on aggressive patients, point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS),ECGinterpretation,andmasscasualtymanagement
POLICY ADVOCACY
The Policy Advocacy Special Interest Group helps family doctors influence health policy and primary care investment In 2024, it led advocacy workshops, equipping doctorswithskillstoengagewithgovernments,media,andhealthorganizations The group worked with regional leaders and WONCA’s WHO Liaison, pushing for better healthcarefunding,improvedworkingconditions,andstrongerpolicyintegration A key achievement was the development of the WONCA Advocacy Toolkit, a practical resourcetosupportdoctorsinshapingnationalandinternationalhealthpolicies.
EMERGING PRACTICE MODELS FOR FAMILY MEDICINE
The Emerging Practice Models Special Interest Group explores new approaches to delivering primary care in response to evolving healthcare needs In 2024, the group analyzed innovative models of family medicine, including team-based care, digital health integration, and new funding mechanisms It facilitated global discussions on adapting primary care deliverytobettermeetpatientneeds,workforceshortages,andtechnological advancements. A highlight was its workshop on practice transformation, which brought together clinicians and health system leaders to share successfulstrategiesforenhancingprimarycaresustainabilityandefficiency
Thegroupcontinuestodevelopinsightsthathelpfamilydoctorsnavigatethe futureofhealthcare
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
The newly created Special Interest Group on Integrative Medicine explores how evidence-based complementary and traditional medicine can enhance family medicine In 2024, it organized webinars and conference sessions on topicslikemind-bodymedicine,herbaltherapies,andlifestyleinterventions
Bybridgingconventionalandcomplementarymedicine,itpromotespatientcentered,comprehensivecarethatalignswithglobalhealthneeds
FAMILY VIOLENCE
With intimate partner violence and child abuse recognised as significant public health issues, this SIG focuses on equipping family doctors to identify, respond, and offer support They led capacity-building workshops at regional conferences in 2024, published a statement on improving healthcare staff training, and collaborated with mental health advocates to highlight the emotional toll of familial abuse.
REGIONAL CONFERENCES
WONCA’sregionalconferencesunitedfamilydoctorstoshare expertise,addresshealthcarechallenges,andstrengthen networks,fosteringinnovation,collaboration,andprofessional developmentinprimarycareworldwide
AFRICA
NAIROBI, KENYA, 5–8 JUNE
HostedbytheKenyaAssociationofFamilyPhysicians,tacklingthecentralissue ofuniversalhealthcoverageinareaswithlimitedresources.Theeventincluded:
AfriWON Preconference: A workshop on leadership for junior doctors and community-drivenresearchmethodologies.
Maternal Care Innovations: Presentations on reducing maternal mortality throughlocallyledquality-improvementcycles TelehealthSolutions:Discussionsonusingsmartphone-basedteleconsultations toreachisolatedcommunities
Cultural Evening: A vibrant showcase of African music and dance, reinforcing communitytiesamongdelegates.
SOUTH ASIA
COLUMBO, SRI LANKA, 3-5 MAY
HostedbytheCollegeofGeneralPractitionersof SriLanka,theSouthAsiaConferencedrew attentiontobridginggapsbetweenruralandurban healthcare
SpiceRoute(YDM)Leadership:Preconference activitiesonmentorship,mentalhealth,andcrossbordernetworking.
RegionalCooperation:Callsforformalfellowship programsthatfosterstandardisedtrainingand strongertieswithgovernmenthealthministries Forward-LookingConclusions:Stakeholders agreedonthepressingneedforpolicyframeworks thatchampioncommunity-basedinterventions andtechnology-drivenefficiencies.
EUROPE
DUBLIN, IRELAND, 25–28 SEPT
Over2,400attendeesjoinedtheEurope Conference,hostedbytheIrishCollegeof GeneralPractitioners.
GPWell-Being:Workshopson“TimeNeededto Treat”(TNT)andnewmodelsofschedulingto avoidburnout.
PlanetaryHealthinPractice:TheEuropean region’ssignatureapproachtoweaving sustainabilityintoclinicalguidelines
EYFDM(YDM)Preconference:Anenergised gatheringspotlightingleadershippathwaysfor youngEuropeanfamilydoctors,withemphasis onworkforceresilienceandcross-cultural patientcommunication.
ASIA PACIFIC
SINGAPORE, 21 - 24 AUGUST
Hosted by the College of Family Physicians Singapore, this conference highlightedrapidlyemergingdigitalhealthtechnologies Keysessionsincluded: AI-Driven Patient Management: Demonstrations of electronic triage systems thatflaghigh-riskpatientsearly BalancingTechnology&Compassion:Ethicaldebatesonusingautomatedtools whilepreservingperson-centredcare.
Rajakumar Movement (YDM) Sessions: Interactive forums connecting young doctors with tech entrepreneurs, exploring new approaches to telemedicine in remoteislands
EAST MEDITERRANEAN
AMMAN, JORDAN, 3–5 OCTOBER
HostedbytheJordanSocietyofFamilyMedicine, thismeetingspotlightedtelemedicineandeHealth, especiallyinconflict-affectedregions.AlRazi(EMR YDM)workedwithWHOEMROondigitalhealth adoption Discussionsunderscoredtheneedfor unifiedpoliciestomaximisetechsolutionsfor vulnerablecommunities
NORTH AMERICA
IBEROAMERICANA (CIMF)
PANAMA CITY, 23 - 26 OCTOBER
TheConfederaciónIberoamericanadeMedicina Familiar(CIMF)Congress,hostedbythePanamanian AssociationofFamilyandCommunityMedicine,the eventfeaturedcollaborationswithPAHOand ministriesofhealth.Waynakay(theIberoamericana YDM)highlightedtheirpublichealthcampaignson diabetespreventionandfamilymedicinetraining A closingstatementaffirmedtheregion’scommitment tosocialjusticeinhealthcare
PHOENIX, USA, 22 SEPTEMBER
TheinauguralWONCANorthAmericaConveningwasa successfulgatheringoffamilydoctorsfromCanada,theUSA, andtheCaribbean TheeventfeaturedkeynotespeakerDr CarlosGonzales,exploredcorevaluesincludingequityand compassion,celebratedawardees,andincludedworkshopson medicaleducation,climatechange,andcommunitymedicine. Participantscommittedtoannualmeetingstostrengthen regionalcollaborationinfamilymedicine
KEY MESSAGES
CLIMATE CHANGE IS A HEALTH ISSUE 1
Theintricateconnectionbetweenthehealth ofourplanetandthewell-beingofitspeople cannot be overstated. As the Earth faces unprecedented environmental challenges, fromclimatechangetopollutionandhabitat destruction, the repercussions on human health become increasingly dire These environmental changes contribute to a rise in communicable and non-communicable diseases, impact mental health, and exacerbatehealthdisparities.
On May 19th, family doctors around the world united to celebrate World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) 2024, highlighting the theme Healthy Planet, Healthy People. This global campaign emphasized the crucial link between planetary health and human well-being, inspiring action across communities and healthcare organizations.
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
WONCA member organisations embraced the theme with passion, organising climate-awareness workshops, street clean-ups, and public campaigns Many conferences featured sessions on eco-friendly clinics and the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint. Social media engagement soared, showing that from Nigeria to Slovakia to Hong Kong, our global network standsunitedinpromotinghealthierlivingspaces
PRIMARY CARE IS KEY 3 2
FAMILY DOCTORS: CHAMPIONS OF PLANETARY HEALTH
Familydoctorswitnessthehealthimpactsof climate change firsthand, from increased respiratory illnesses due to pollution to the spread of vector-borne diseases with changing climates Their observations are crucialforunderstandingandcombatingthe health effects of environmental changes By documenting these impacts and leading by example in sustainable practices, family doctors can make significant contributions tomitigatingclimatechange'shealthrisks
The healthcare sector is a major polluter, accounting for 44% of global carbon emission Primary care is key to cutting healthcare sector's carbon footprint By focusing on early disease detection and lifestyle changes, it reduces the need for resource intensive medical treatments later. Thisnotonlyimproveshealthoutcomesbut also significantly lowers emissions by minimizingenergy-intensiveprocedures
The growing success of WFDD each year proves its value in uniting family doctors around pressing global challenges.Goingfromstrengthtostrengthsince2010, WFDD 2024 reinforced that safeguarding our planet is notanoptionalextrabutanaturalextensionofcaring forourpatients
Primary Health Care plus Sustainable Health Care will lead to the WHO goal of Universal Health Coverage.
The collaborative video, created with the Young Doctors’ Movement and the WONCA Working Party on Planetary Health, reached 23,103 totalviewsacrossplatforms
PROJECTS
MDD MINDS
WONCA’S MOST AMBITIOUS PROJECT YET.
WONCA launched MDD Minds to strengthen the capacity of family doctors in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to diagnose and treat major depressive disorder (MDD) the leading cause of disability worldwide
Funded by an unrestricted grant from Pfizer, our WP on Mental Health developed this program to provide evidencebased training tailored to primary care settings MDD Minds includes a self-paced online course (MDD Minds 101), a Trainthe-Trainer program, and a performance-in-practice initiative to enhance real-world application
By merging evidence-based tools, local leadership, and advocacy for clinician self-care, MDD MINDS fosters improved detection rates, better patient engagement, and strengthened mental health capacity in diverse settings It shows scalable approaches for primary care
CORE VALUES PROJECT
SOCIAL PRESCRIBING
The Social Prescribing and Civic Engagement (SPACE) Project, funded by Erasmus+ and led by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), combines social prescribing and volunteering to support cancer survivors across Europe, with potential for global reach WONCA contributes through its Working Parties and Special Interest Groups, integrating social prescribing into primary care SPACE connects cancer survivors with volunteering opportunities, especially in community gardens, to enhance recovery and well-being Plans include pilot programmes in five countries, surveys among healthcare workers, and a practical handbook to help professionals implement social prescribing effectively worldwide
Launched by past president Dr Anna Stavdal, the WONCA Core Values Project highlights the need to raise awareness of family medicine’s core principles in a rapidly changing world In 2024, regional workshops in South Asia and Europe explored culturally relevant values and challenges such as bureaucracy, funding, and training gaps Led by Felicity Goodyear-Smith, Johann Sigurdsson, and Stavdal, the project will culminate in a book, set for publication in 2025 Findings will be shared at WONCA World Conference, in Lisbon in September 2025
In 2024, WONCA launched the Project Labs initiative, designed to help Working Parties (WPs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) turn innovative ideas into complete project proposals ready for funding The Project Labs provide structured support, including developing clear project frameworks with measurable goals, realistic budgets, detailed timelines, effective collaboration strategies, and polished proposal submissions to attract funding from philanthropists, sponsors, and grant agencies.
Project Labs are made possible through the generous support of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), underlining their commitment to fostering collaboration and driving global progress in primary care
YOUNG DOCTORS’ MOVEMENT
CultivatingtheFutureofFamilyMedicine
TheYDMrepresentsthefutureoffamilymedicine,unitingearly-career family doctors through regional groups across seven regions. Each regional movement has its own leadership and activities, fostering professionalgrowth,collaboration,andadvocacy.Globally,YDMisled byDr.CherylChan(HongKong).
EDUCATION & MENTORSHIP
Young doctors benefited from structured leadership and mentorship initiatives in 2024. The ASPIRE Leadership Program addressed physician burnout through a global survey, while FM360 Global Exchangeconnectedyoungdoctorsacrossborders AnewMentorship Program paired early-career doctors with experienced colleagues from our Research Working Party, and the Donald Li YDM Global Scholarshipwasestablishedtosupportyoungdoctors
“Throughmentorship,wearenotjustshapingcareers weareshapingthefutureofprimarycare.” –BruneeDorsett,ChairofPolaris(YDMNorthAmerica)
WEBINARS & DIGITAL LEARNING
A series of collaborative webinars with WONCA working parties fosteredglobalconnections,coveringtopicsfromplanetaryhealthto emerging models of family medicine CyberXFM, developed with INTERPOL, tackled cybersecurity in healthcare, highlighting risks in telemedicine
YDM has innovated by making webinars multilingual, offering live translations in Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages to ensure accessibility and global reach. These virtual events, alongside inperson workshops, strengthened professional development and knowledge exchange, bringing together young doctors from diverse backgroundstoshareexpertiseandcollaborateonsolutions
PRE-CONFERENCES
Pre-conferences, held before WONCA regional conferences, provide young doctors with a dedicated space for networking, leadership development,andsupport.Theseeventsgobeyond academic sessions, fostering work-life balance, mentalwell-being,andcommunitybuilding.
In 2024, they continued to grow, with highlights including the AfriWon Emergency Medicine Workshop in Nairobi, the WONCA APR Young Doctors’ Preconference in Singapore, and EYFDM’s pre-conference in Dublin, which hosted over 700 participants Alongsidethese,eventsliketheEYFDM Forum in Vienna strengthened professional and socialconnectionsthroughouttheyear
WONCA ACCREDITATION
SettingGlobalStandardsforFamilyMedicine
Since 2014, WONCA’s Accreditation Program has advanced quality and excellence in family medicine globally Accreditationhelpshealthcareproviders,clinics,andeducationalprogramsachieverecognitionbyensuringtheirservices align with international standards In 2024, WONCA expanded this program by relaunching the Assessment of Digital Systems and introducing the Development and Enhancement Program (DEP). Explore these services and start your accreditationjourneyonournewlyredesignedwebpage:accreditation.wonca.com.
POSTGRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
WONCA’sPostgraduateAccreditationensuresfamilymedicinetrainingmeetsrigorousinternationalstandards Anotable 2024 accreditation was awarded to the Japanese Association for Primary Care (JPCA) Their four-year postgraduate programwascommendedforcomprehensivetraining,structuredmentorship,effectivecommunityhealthintegration,and robustassessments,reflectingJPCA’scommitmenttopreparingskilledfamilydoctors CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) ACCREDITATION
WONCA’s CPD Accreditation evaluates and enhances professional development programs for family doctors, ensuring continuous improvementandhigh-qualityeducation.AccreditedCPDprogramsenable family physicians to remain skilled, updated, and effective, delivering optimalpatientcarealignedwiththelatestclinicalevidenceandpractices.
PRACTICE ACCREDITATION
WONCA’s Practice Accreditation recognizes primary care clinics for outstandingpatientcareandcompliancewithglobalstandards.In2024,the Haizhu Jiangnanzhongjie Community Health Centre in Guangzhou, China, was accredited for excellence in patient-centered care, privacy protection,andsuccessfulintegrationofTraditionalChineseMedicine
ASSESSMENT OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS
WONCA relaunched the Assessment of Digital Systems to certify digital healthplatforms,evaluatingtheireffectiveness,scalability,andcompliance with healthcare standards In 2024, Ping An Good Doctor (PAGD) in Shanghai underwent detailed evaluation across 111 criteria The platform significantlyimproveditscapabilitiessinceitsinitialreview,achievinghigh scores for scalability, multidisciplinary service integration, and its innovative AI-driven tools for chronic disease management PAGD’s accreditation highlights the critical role technology plays in enhancing primarycareglobally.
The Development and Enhancement Program (DEP) is designed to support healthcare organizations, medical universities, training institutions, and primary care practices in their journey toward continuous quality improvement and capacity building. Tailored to institutions not yet ready for full accreditation or those needing structured guidance to enhance their healthcare systems, the DEP provides personalized support to meet local healthcare needs, while aligning with global best practices This program empowers institutions to strengthen their services, ensuring sustainable and scalable healthcare solutions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and organizationalperformance.
AWARDS
WONCA recognises and supports excellence in family medicine through awards that provide financial assistance, professionalrecognition,andglobalvisibility.Theseawardshighlighttheachievementsoffamilydoctorsworldwide, celebratingthosewhohavedemonstratedoutstandingcommitment,leadership,andinnovationinprimarycare.
MONTEGUT GLOBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
This award, established by the American Board of Family Medicine Foundation (ABFM-F) in 2010, enables family doctorstoattendWONCAconferences,fosteringeducation,research,andcollaboration NamedinhonorofDr Alain Montegut,aleaderininternationalfamilymedicine,theprogramempowersphysiciansdedicatedtostrengthening primarycareworldwide.
FEATURED SCHOLAR: DR FATHIA NOUR
Dr.FathiaMohamedNour,aMontegutGlobalScholar, embodies the program’s goal of fostering leadership andknowledgeexchangeinfamilymedicine.Funded to attend the WONCA Africa Conference in Nairobi, she delivered a powerful presentation on the successes and challenges of family medicine in Somaliland, earning a standing ovation Inspired by discussions with global experts, she is now bringing back new insights on advocacy, policy, and medical educationtofurtherstrengthenfamilymedicinein
WATCH
hercountry AninterviewwithDr Nour,highlightingtheimpactofherjourney becameourmost-watchedYouTube video,surpassing50,000views, WONCAisgratefultotheABFM-Ffortheirongoingsupportofthisprogram
MONTEGUT SCHOLARS 2024
DrBolatitoBettyFatusin,Nigeria-Africa
Dr.FathiaMohamedNour,Somaliland-Africa
DrJacquelineB.Javier-Catubig,Philippines-AsiaPacific
DrMairaAlejandraLeónSolarte,Colombia-Iberoamericana
DrBadreddineSakouhi,SaudiArabia-EastMediterranean
DrRolaItani,Lebanon- EastMediterranean
DrGokceIscan,Turkey-Europe
DrKathleenSingh,TrinidadandTobago-NorthAmerica
DrPratyushKumar,India-SouthAsia
DrZainabMohammadAnjarwala,Pakistan- SouthAsia
FIVE STAR DOCTORS 2024
WONCA’s Five Star Doctor Award recognizes family doctors who excel as care providers, decision makers, communicators, community leaders, and managers, with regional winners competingforglobalrecognitionbiennially.
DrDanAbubakar,Nigeria
DrKarinEstepa-Garcia,Philippines
DrMariaInezPadulaAnderson,Brazil
DrMaisaAlKiyumi,Oman
DrNatoShengelia,Georgia
DrAldythBuckland,Jamaica
DONALDLI GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP
DrSanathHettige,SriLanka
YOUNG DOCTORS’ MOVEMENT
DONALD LI YDM SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship fund was created in 2024 by WONCA's former president, Dr Donald Li, to help young family doctors from lower-income countriesattendtheWONCAWorldConference
The first scholarships will be awarded in 2025, helping young doctors build professional connections and develop their careers in primarycare.
