A Donald Li Scholar's Report from Gaborone
By Dr. Stephen Engmann
Donald Li Scholarship Recipient 2025
I am pleased to submit this report following my participation in the 9th WONCA Africa Regional Conference 2026, held in Gaborone, Botswana, under the theme "We Are One: Africa United to Advance Planetary Health Through Collaboration and Resource Alignment in Primary Healthcare." The conference brought together family physicians, primary care researchers, educators, policymakers and young doctors from across Africa and beyond, to discuss strategies for strengthening primary health care and advancing family medicine on the continent.
As a recipient of the Donald Li YDM Global Scholarship 2025, I am deeply grateful to the WONCA Young Doctors' Movement for making my participation possible. The scholarship enabled me to take part in valuable scientific discussions, networking opportunities and professional development activities that will contribute significantly to my growth as a family physician and researcher.
Presenting on maternal mental health
One highlight of the conference was my oral presentation in Track C, Maternal and Child Health, during the Oral Abstract Parallel Sessions on 10 September 2026. I presented Abstract 49, "Prevalence of Perinatal Depression in a Primary Care Facility in Ghana: Findings from the Mothers Need More Support Programme." The presentation set out findings on the burden of perinatal depression among pregnant and postnatal women attending primary care services at a facility in Accra, Ghana, and emphasised the importance of integrating maternal mental health screening and support within primary healthcare settings. The session led to some valuable discussion with colleagues from different countries.
Photo: Presenting Abstract 49 on perinatal depression in primary care.
Conference themes
The conference programme featured several impactful plenary sessions. The opening plenary focused on advancing planetary health through primary health care in Africa, while keynote presentations explored family medicine as activism and the future of family medicine on the continent. These discussions underlined the central role of family physicians in addressing both clinical and broader societal determinants of health. I particularly valued the sessions on primary healthcare workforce development, health professions education, digital health innovation, chronic disease management, mental health and climate-resilient healthcare systems, which together reflected the conference's emphasis on collaborative approaches to strengthening health systems across Africa.
Photo: Inside the Gaborone International Conference Centre during the conference.
Building connections
Beyond the scientific programme, the conference offered excellent networking opportunities. Conversations with fellow young doctors, researchers and senior family medicine leaders opened avenues for future collaboration in research, education and primary care practice. The gala dinner and cultural evening also gave us the chance to celebrate African diversity and to strengthen professional relationships across the region.
Photo: Ghana delegates at the 9th WONCA Africa Regional Conference.
Photo: The gala dinner and cultural evening in Gaborone.
Participation in the WONCA Africa Regional Conference 2026 was an enriching and impactful experience. It deepened my understanding of emerging priorities in African primary health care, strengthened my research dissemination skills and expanded my professional network. I am grateful to the Donald Li YDM Global Scholarship for its support.
About the Donald Li YDM Global Scholarship
The Donald Li YDM Global Scholarship supports young family doctors from low- and middle-income countries to attend WONCA conferences. Each year, three selected applicants receive a USD $2500 bursary to help cover travel, registration, visa and accommodation costs.
The scholarship aims to expand opportunities for emerging leaders in family medicine, encouraging participation in global dialogue and strengthening the future primary care workforce. Recipients are active members of the Young Doctors' Movements and contribute to developing family medicine in their regions.
WONCA is very grateful to its past president, Dr Donald Li, for his generous support of this scholarship.
Read reports from other 2025 Donald Li Scholars: Dr. Michael Angelo J. Arteza on the WONCA World Conference in Lisbon and Dr. Beesan Maraqa on the WONCA World Conference in Lisbon.