World Family Doctor Day 2026: Reports from Member Organizations
World Family Doctor Day 2026: Compassionate Care in a Digital World
On 19 May 2026, family doctors around the world marked World Family Doctor Day under the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World." Member Organizations explored how digital tools, from telemedicine and electronic records to artificial intelligence, can strengthen rather than replace the relationship between family doctor and patient. The activities ranged from cycling events and community walks to scientific congresses, public carnivals, medical camps, and national advocacy campaigns.
We thank every Member Organization and the family doctors who submitted a report. The entries below offer a tour around the world of family medicine, from large national campaigns to single physicians serving whole countries. Open each entry to read the activity in full and view photographs from the day.
Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI) — A week-long nationwide campaign across India's state chapters, from a national leadership summit to community medical camps.
The Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI) celebrated World Family Doctor Day 2026 through a week-long nationwide campaign from 16 to 21 May 2026. Led by the national leadership and supported by state chapters across the country, the celebrations included community outreach programmes, public health awareness campaigns, health screenings, educational initiatives, professional engagement events, and advocacy for the role of family medicine in equitable, accessible, people-centred healthcare.
A World Family Doctor Day walkathon was held in New Delhi on the morning of 17 May, alongside the AFPI National Leadership Summit, which brought together state chapter presidents and office bearers from around 18 states, together with committee chairs and members representing core committees, Special Interest Groups, and Working Parties.
State chapters across India organised their own activities. The Kerala chapter ran a medical camp for tribal communities at Narippara, Kodenchery, in Kozhikode district, and a Family Medicine orientation session for around 150 MBBS students and interns at KMCT Medical College. In Maharashtra, faculty and students at Sadhu Vaswani Mission's Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital in Pune held an interactive session on the day's theme, and a free FibroScan and diabetic neuropathy screening camp was organised in Thane.
The Rajasthan chapter held a series of medical camps and a health talk by Dr Shalini Garg, Secretary of AFPI Rajasthan, and Dr Nipun Sharma, State Secretary of Spice Route Rajasthan.
Watch a short video of the AFPI Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi (video credits: Dr Krithika Ganesh).
Website: afpinational.org
Submitted by Col (Dr) Mohan Kubendra, National President, AFPI
Association of Family Physicians of Zambia (AFPZ) — A public lecture and discussion in Lusaka on balancing digital innovation with compassionate, people-centred care.
The Association of Family Physicians of Zambia (AFPZ), with the University of Zambia School of Public Health and Seed Global Health Zambia, commemorated World Family Doctor Day 2026 on 19 May at the Family Medicine Lecture Room, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka.
The event brought together more than sixty family physicians, family medicine residents, medical students, academic staff, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and digital health stakeholders. The keynote was delivered by Dr Sikazwe Chikusela of Seed Global Health Zambia, who spoke on balancing digital innovation with compassionate, people-centred healthcare. The President of AFPZ was represented by Dr Bassim Birkland, and the Dean of the School of Public Health by Dr Patrick Kaonga. Dr Kuku Kapenda was Director of Ceremonies.
Discussion covered the ethical use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, digital health transformation in Zambia, telemedicine and equitable access, patient confidentiality and cybersecurity, and the importance of maintaining compassionate doctor-patient relationships in increasingly digital settings. Participants emphasised the role of family physicians in shaping people-centred digital health systems and strengthening primary healthcare delivery in Zambia. The event also marked continued progress in family medicine training, including the expansion of postgraduate specialist training at the University of Zambia.
Zambia's celebrations were also featured in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Submitted by Bassim Birkland
Association of Family Physicians of Uganda (AFPU) — World Family Doctor Day 2026 celebrations in Uganda, reported through AfriWon Renaissance.
Family doctors in Uganda, with the Association of Family Physicians of Uganda (AFPU), marked World Family Doctor Day 2026 as part of the regional celebrations reported by AfriWon Renaissance, the Young Doctors Movement of WONCA Africa. The bulletin featured a reflection from Uganda on social media and artificial intelligence in healthcare, drawing on the country's long experience of using radio, television, and mobile phones to extend health communication and primary care.
Read more in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Association of Family Medicine of Kyrgyzstan (AFMK) — The hybrid V Congress of Family Doctors of Kyrgyzstan, uniting around 350 practitioners from all seven regions.
To mark World Family Doctor Day 2026, the Association of Family Medicine of Kyrgyzstan (AFMK), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, hosted the V Congress of Family Doctors: "PHC as the Basis of Healthcare: From Policy to Practice." Held on 19 May in a hybrid format, the Congress gathered around 350 participants, uniting family physicians, general practitioners, and rural healthcare workers from all seven regions of Kyrgyzstan. It was organised with the support of the Maurice Foundation (Switzerland) and featured high-level international representation, including the Head of the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care, the Head of the WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan, and speakers from Switzerland, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
The programme addressed global and national health policy, with panel discussions on primary health care reform, workforce strengthening, and healthcare equity in rural areas. Sessions on the digitalisation of primary care explored digital health tools, electronic medical records, and risk stratification for monitoring chronic non-communicable diseases. Clinical updates covered cardiovascular disease, respiratory health, and paediatrics, and a section facilitated by Swiss specialists focused on embedding adult and paediatric palliative care, alongside advanced pain management, into general practice. The Congress was co-organised with the Ministry of Health, with endorsements from Member of Parliament Gulnara Baatyrova and Minister of Health Damir Osmonov, and a presentation by Deputy Minister of Health Bakytbek Kadyraliev on the state vision for primary health care.
Instagram: @asmk_2025
Submitted by Dr Asel Tenizbaeva, Director, AFMK
Bangladesh Academy of Family Physicians — A rally in Dhaka followed by discussions on the day's theme, with a further programme at Dohar.
The Bangladesh Academy of Family Physicians celebrated World Family Doctor Day 2026 with a rally at its Dhaka central office, followed by discussions and a programme at Dohar, outside Dhaka. Dr Jamal Uddin Ahmed, President of the Academy, organised and sponsored the Dohar programme. Discussions were held on the theme of World Family Doctor Day 2026. The Academy worked with the Bangladesh College of General Practitioners and engaged with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh.
Submitted by Professor Kanu Bala, WONCA South Asia President 2016-2018, former President, Bangladesh Academy of Family Physicians
Botswana Association of Family Physicians (BAOFP) — World Family Doctor Day 2026 celebrations in Botswana, reported through AfriWon Renaissance.
Family doctors in Botswana marked World Family Doctor Day 2026 as part of the regional celebrations reported by AfriWon Renaissance, the Young Doctors Movement of WONCA Africa. Botswana will also host the 9th WONCA Africa Region Conference in Gaborone on 10 and 11 September 2026, under the theme "We Are One: Africa united to advance planetary health."
Read more in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Chinese Society of General Practice — A nationwide programme of free clinics, health counselling, and family doctor contracting under the theme "Signing feels real, and service is warm."
The General Practice Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Association marked the 16th World Family Doctor Day, on 19 May 2026, under the theme "Signing feels real, and service is warm." Provinces across China held free clinics, health counselling, physical examinations, and family doctor contracting activities, achieving full provincial coverage.
Activities reflected local approaches across the country. Heilongjiang served elderly groups in universities through a model pairing tertiary-hospital experts with community teams. Liaoning ran a week-long campaign with training workshops and community and workplace services. Guizhou used a four-level linkage system and offered one-stop chronic disease management. Zhejiang focused on elderly health with screening services, and Hainan advanced effective contracting across the province. Shanxi and Yunnan strengthened grassroots staff training and community service capacity, while Hubei brought expert clinics to university campuses. Guangxi developed a four-dimensional contracting team providing personalised and home-based services, Shaanxi delivered services to communities through specialist alliances, and Henan implemented a one-person, one-plan model linking major hospitals and communities. These activities supported the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system, with primary first-contact care, two-way referrals, and coordinated services. The activities were implemented under the framework of the National Health Commission.
Submitted by Meng Jia
Chinese Taipei Association of Family Medicine (CTAFM) — A riverside cycling and walking event in Taipei combining exercise, friendship, and the spirit of family medicine.
To celebrate World Family Doctor Day 2026, CTAFM organised a cycling and walking event along Taipei's riverside cycling paths under the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World." Family physicians and their families cycled and walked an approximately 12 to 15 km route through Riverside Park, the Rose Garden at Taipei Expo Park, the Xinsheng area, and Lin An Tai Historical House. The Rose Garden, in bloom, became one of the most popular photo spots of the day.
The activity highlighted the balance between digital innovation and human connection in healthcare, encouraging the use of health apps and digital tools to support healthy lifestyles. The day also included a birthday celebration for members born in May and served as an early celebration of CTAFM's upcoming 40th anniversary, with commemorative souvenirs and health promotion materials for participants. The event was supported by guests from Taiwan's healthcare sector, with the Taiwan Medical Association and the National Health Insurance Administration among those involved. CTAFM used the day to remind the public that family doctors are long-term partners in healthier communities and healthier lives.
Watch the CTAFM World Family Doctor Day 2026 video.
Website: tafm.org.tw
Submitted by the Secretariat of CTAFM
Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association, General Practice Branch — A themed event bringing family doctor contract services into functional communities, with activities across China.
For the 16th World Family Doctor Day, China's national theme was "Tangible Benefits of Contracting, Warmth in Service Delivery." From 17 to 20 May 2026, themed activities were held across China, including celebration ceremonies, awards, free clinics, and health fairs. The flagship event, "Contract Services of Family Doctors Enter Functional Communities," was hosted by the General Practice Branch of the Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association and co-organised by the Shanghai Pudong New Area Sunqiao Community Health Service Center. It opened in Zhangjiang Town, Pudong New Area, extending greetings to family doctors across the country.
The activities advanced a "Five Entry" initiative, bringing services into government agencies, enterprises, communities, households, and elderly care institutions. In Beijing, Xicheng District held a signing ceremony for family doctor contract services, and Chaoyang District launched a resident health points programme. In Shanghai, Putuo District released a "family doctor and specialist" dual-contract health management package, and Fengxian District saw more than 500 participants demonstrate the Baduanjin exercise alongside robots, combining traditional wellness practices with modern technology. In Gansu Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, general practice departments of major hospitals organised large-scale free clinics in outpatient halls and communities.
Website: gp519.com
Submitted by Xu Yaoyao
Egyptian Family Medicine Association (EFMA) — A celebration in Menoufia with the Doctors' Syndicate and Directorate of Health Affairs, blending technology with empathy.
The Directorate of Health Affairs and the Doctors' Syndicate in Menoufia, in partnership with Menoufia University's Family Medicine Department and the Egyptian Family Medicine Association (EFMA), marked World Family Doctor Day under the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World." Held at the Doctors' Syndicate conference hall, the event opened with remarks by Prof. Taghreed Mohamed Farhat, President of the Egyptian Society of Family Medicine.
Prof. Hala Mohamed El-Moselhy Shahin explored the future of the specialty, while Prof. Nagwa Nashed Hegazy delivered a lecture on the day's theme, and Dr Eman Zahran showcased the Directorate's digital health achievements. Distinguished attendees included Dr Amr Mostafa (Deputy Minister), Dr Mohamed El-Naggar (representing the Syndicate Head), Dr Ahmed Walash (Syndicate Secretary-General), and Dr Amira El-Badawy (GAHAR), who gave a lecture on accreditation. The day closed by honouring key figures for advancing family care, in an interactive celebration of blending technology with empathy. The event engaged both local and national government.
EFMA on Facebook, and see the event post.
Submitted by Nagwa Nashat
General Practice and Emergency Medicine Association of Nepal (GPEMAN) — A walkathon and gathering of general practitioners in Kathmandu.
GPEMAN organised a walkathon and gathering of general practitioners in Kathmandu, walking together for better primary care.
Website: gpeman.org.np
Submitted by Professor Bikash Gauchan
Georgia Family Medicine Association — A professional session on the role of digital technologies in primary care, for family doctors and residents.
On 19 May 2026, the Georgia Family Medicine Association and the National Family Medicine Training Center held a professional session bringing together family doctors and family medicine residency participants to discuss the role of digital technologies in primary care, under the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World." The session emphasised that digital health should strengthen, not replace, the relationship between the family doctor, the patient, and the primary care team.
Digital tools were discussed as practical instruments for improving access, continuity, coordination, prevention, and chronic disease management, with examples from Georgia. Participants discussed telemedicine for rural and hard-to-reach populations, diabetic retinopathy telescreening at the primary care level, electronic registries and patient list management, digital analytics for monitoring state programmes, SMS reminders for vaccination and screening, remote consultation in women's health, and the potential of electronic prescriptions for medication safety. The main message was that digital transformation should begin with real patient and service needs, and that family doctors remain central to ensuring digital tools support clinical judgement, protect patient trust, and preserve compassionate, person-centred care. The Ministry of Health and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health also marked the day publicly through official posts.
Website: gfma.ge
In the news: posts from Georgia's Ministry of Health and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health marking the day.
Submitted by Irine Karosanidze
Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) — A two-day public "Family" Carnival with the Primary Healthcare Office, with free health screenings, games, and talks.
In celebration of World Family Doctor Day 2026, the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP), together with the Primary Healthcare Office under the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR, jointly organised a two-day public event, the "World Family Doctor Day 'Family' Carnival 2026," on 16 and 17 May. The carnival featured free health screenings, games, and educational talks to help the public understand the role of family doctors in primary healthcare, and to encourage community engagement.
The Health Bureau encouraged more family doctors to join the Primary Healthcare Co-Care Network, reinforcing the shift toward community-based care. Acting Secretary for Health Dr Cecilia Fan noted that members of the public can access services through District Health Centres in all 18 districts, where they can be matched with family doctors for personalised care, including screening for cardiovascular risk factors and hepatitis B. Commissioner for Primary Healthcare Dr Pang Fei Chau encouraged the public to prioritise prevention through vaccination, regular screening, and early intervention. HKCFP Vice President Dr Lau Ho Lim closed by reflecting that the future primary healthcare system should be modern, accessible, equitable, safe, and, above all, humanistic, because in the end it is not technology that heals, but the empathy, trust, and human connection that family doctors bring to every patient.
Watch the WFDD Carnival video.
Website: hkcfp.org.hk
Submitted by Ms Erica So, General Manager
Iraqi Family Physician Society — Community outreach and professional development, including an obesity awareness campaign on Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad.
The Iraqi Family Physician Society held a series of activities focused on public health, community engagement, and professional development. A highlight was an obesity awareness campaign at the culturally significant Al-Mutanabbi Street, conducted in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, engaging the public on the risks of obesity and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Members led further activities across various locations. Physicians ran patient education sessions in their primary health care clinics, and the Society expanded its reach through joint awareness campaigns with the Health Promotion Departments of several regional health directorates, which operate under the Ministry of Health. Members took part in television interviews and social media campaigns highlighting the role of the family physician in holistic, preventive care, and organised scientific symposiums with medical companies to discuss clinical advances and standards of primary care practice.
Website: iraqifps.org
In the news: Al-Mirbad report, and a video of the campaign.
Submitted by Dr Muntadar Saad Jaber
Japan Primary Care Association (JPCA) — A digital health video and an international seminar presentation on video consultation through the WONCA Asia Pacific Young Doctors Movement.
The JPCA marked World Family Doctor Day 2026 with two main activities. Its International Committee and ICT Clinical Practice Committee produced a video on the integration of digital health solutions across primary care settings and professions in Japan, focusing on how technology can be bridged with compassionate care. The video was shared with both WONCA and JPCA members. In addition, Dr Sawa, an executive member of the WONCA Asia Pacific Region Young Doctors Movement (the Rajakumar Movement), presented at a TRM online seminar on communication techniques and best practices in video consultations.
Website: primarycare-japan.com
Submitted by Shin Yoshida
Jordan Society of Family Medicine (JSFM) — A scientific day on the theme, with speaker recognition and a dinner in Amman.
On the occasion of World Family Doctor Day, the JSFM held a scientific day for its members on the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World," honouring the speakers, followed by a dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Amman.
Website: jsfm.jo
See the event on Facebook.
Submitted by Mohamed Tarawneh
Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists' Association (FMSA) — The FitCPR Run in Putrajaya, combining a fun run with mass public CPR training.
Editor's note: the report below describes the association's World Family Doctor Day 2025 activity, under the 2025 theme "Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World." We have included it as submitted and have asked the association to confirm or provide details of their 2026 activity.
In 2025, under the theme "Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World," Malaysia's celebration was led by a collaboration between the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM), the Family Medicine Specialists Association of Malaysia (FMSA), and the Chapter of Young Family Doctors (CoYFD), with the backing of the Ministry of Health. The highlight was the FitCPR Run in Putrajaya, with 3 km and 5 km fun runs under the motto "Mind & Heart in Motion: Run, Breathe, Rescue!"
The event featured mass public CPR training sessions delivered by AFPM, FMSA, and CoYFD using Ministry of Health training resources, which doubled as an official attempt at the Malaysia Book of Records for the most participants in a CPR-themed run. The initiative reflected the role of family doctors in spotting early signs of psychological distress through continuity of care and patient trust, and in promoting both mental and physical preparedness in emergencies. Engagement spanned national, regional, and local government, including the Ministry of Health, the Federal Territory Health Department, and Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation), which supported venue, logistics, and approvals.
Website: fms-malaysia.org
Submitted by Dr Radhiyah Hussin
Malta College of Family Doctors (MCFD) — A ceremony marking the graduation of new family doctors and the award of an Honorary Fellowship.
To commemorate World Family Doctor Day 2026, the Malta College of Family Doctors (MCFD) held a ceremony celebrating both the future and the heritage of family medicine in Malta. A central feature was the graduation of newly qualified general practitioners, marking their transition into independent specialists and their membership of the College. The ceremony also included the conferment of an Honorary Fellowship on an individual whose contributions have significantly advanced family medicine and primary healthcare in Malta.
Held on World Family Doctor Day, the event highlighted the role of family doctors in promoting health, preventing disease, and providing continuous, comprehensive care across all stages of life, and reaffirmed the College's commitment to excellence in family medicine and to strengthening primary healthcare for patients and communities throughout Malta. The Saviour Cilia Awards, for the top-performing trainees in their AKT and RCA examinations, were sponsored by MINT Health.
Website: mcfd.org.mt
Submitted by Dr Chanelle Gatt Azzopardi
Mauritius (no Member Organization) — A feature on the only family physician in Mauritius, through AfriWon Renaissance.
For World Family Doctor Day 2026, AfriWon Renaissance, the Young Doctors Movement of WONCA Africa, featured the only family physician practising in Mauritius, marking the day and the place of family medicine in the country.
Read the feature in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Mongolian Association of Family Medicine Specialists (MAFMS) — Nationwide activities across 225 Family Health Centres, a scientific conference, and a reception by the President of Mongolia.
Mongolia has celebrated World Family Doctor Day since 2012. In 2026, the event was commemorated nationwide under the theme "Human-Centered Care in a Digital World," with unified activities across 225 Family Health Centres in 21 provinces and 8 districts.
A scientific and practical conference was organised, with more than 60 research papers submitted on digital health, prevention and early detection, family-centred care, and non-communicable disease management. Of these, 26 studies were selected for presentation, alongside national and international guest speakers on the development of family medicine, digital health, and person-centred care. A press conference addressed the workload faced by family physicians, including unnecessary reporting requirements and overlapping inspections; following it, the Minister of Health, Mr Batshugar Enkhbayar, announced measures to reduce reporting requirements for Family Health Centres. A televised discussion on Mongolian National Broadcasting Television examined the current situation and future development of Family Health Centres.
On World Family Doctor Day, the President of Mongolia, Mr Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, received physicians and healthcare professionals from Family Health Centres at the State Palace, where outstanding physicians were recognised. Family Health Centres also organised community activities, including preventive health screenings, rapid diagnostic services, health education and counselling, and the "CALL-2026" emergency care skills competition.
Website: mafms.mn
Submitted by Jazar Amarsanaa
Mozambique (no Member Organization) — World Family Doctor Day 2026 celebrations in Mozambique, reported through AfriWon Renaissance.
Family doctors in Mozambique marked World Family Doctor Day 2026 as part of the regional celebrations reported by AfriWon Renaissance, the Young Doctors Movement of WONCA Africa.
Read more in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Myanmar Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) — A gathering of 110 general practitioners in Mandalay, with experience sharing and presentations on digital tools in family medicine.
Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, celebrated World Family Doctor Day 2026 on 19 May with 110 general practitioners from different regions across the country. The event included a reading of the WONCA President's message, GP experience sharing, presentations on clinic management using digital tools, and discussion of the management of patients with complex needs in family medicine. Poster displays covered the GP development roadmap, GP education initiatives, and family clinic setup requirements.
The event provided an opportunity for networking, learning, and discussion on the future of family medicine in Myanmar, and helped raise awareness of family medicine in the community and among junior GPs. Based on participant feedback, the overall satisfaction score was 4.3 out of 5.
Submitted by Dr Aye Kyi, Family Physician
Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) — A month-long national celebration with over 120 documented activities across seven regions, under the value of paglingap, genuine care.
The Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) concluded a month-long celebration of World Family Doctor Day, with member chapters conducting more than 120 documented activities across seven regions nationwide under the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World." The work was framed around the Filipino value of paglingap, genuine care, amid the accelerating pace of digital transformation in healthcare, and organised under three converging strands: digital health literacy and technology integration, community outreach and clinical services, and wellness, engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Community outreach and clinical services made up the largest share of activities, at 41%, affirming that direct, in-person care remains the foremost standard of family medicine practice. Services spanned the lifespan, including Operation Tuli for adolescent males, non-communicable disease screening and HIV testing across age groups, PhilHealth YAKAP registration for entire families, and cervical cancer screening for women. Several chapters reached geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including the South Bicol Chapter's Donsol mission, which served the indigenous Agta Tabangnon and Agta Cimaron communities. These efforts upheld a foundational principle of family medicine: that presence, active listening, and human connection are irreplaceable dimensions of compassionate care that digitalisation, however advanced, cannot fully replicate.
A further 35% of activities addressed digital health literacy and technological integration across physicians, patients, families, and community stakeholders. Topics ranged from the ethical use of artificial intelligence in primary care, teleconsultation onboarding, and digital disease surveillance platforms to electronic medical record navigation and the identification of online health misinformation. Delivery formats included the Rizal Chapter's interactive digital quest, which gamified technology familiarisation for its members.
The remaining 24% of activities focused on wellness, social engagement, and environmental stewardship, recognising that burnout and digital fatigue pose real risks to the quality and continuity of primary care. These gave family physicians opportunities to step back from digital demands and reconnect with colleagues and communities, with physical fitness activities prominent across chapters (pickleball most of all), alongside tree planting drives, meditation, nature immersion, and mindfulness sessions. The Academy affirmed its campaign to embrace digitalisation as a tool, not a replacement, in delivering ethical, competent, patient-centred, family-focused, and community-oriented care.
Watch the PAFP World Family Doctor Day 2026 video.
Submitted by Kenneth N. Domasian, MD, DFM, PAFP WFDD Committee Co-chair
Polish Society of Family Medicine (PTMR) — Educational, promotional, and advocacy activities highlighting the role of family medicine in Poland.
In 2026, the Polish Society of Family Medicine (PTMR) marked World Family Doctor Day with educational, promotional, and advocacy activities. PTMR published a dedicated article on its website highlighting the role of family doctors in the healthcare system, the "POZnaj Rodzinnych" awareness campaign, and the Society's Family Medicine Advocacy initiatives to strengthen the position of family doctors in healthcare policy and practice. The Society also published posts on Facebook and Instagram and sent a dedicated newsletter to its members recognising the work of family doctors.
Website: ptmr.info.pl
Read PTMR's World Family Doctor Day 2026 article, and see the post on Instagram.
Submitted by Karolina Kłoda, Special Representative for International Affairs
Slovak Society of General Practice (SSGP) — "Krokovačka," a nationwide walking event held in more than 20 locations under the motto "Take a walk with your doctor."
Each year, the Slovak Society of General Practice marks World Family Doctor Day not only through official statements but through "Krokovačka," an educational and experiential event promoting walking as a simple, accessible, and environmentally friendly way to prevent many diseases. Krokovačka, with the subtitle "Take a walk with your doctor," began in 2019 during the 24th WONCA Europe Conference in Bratislava and was led by Olympic champion Matej Tóth. It has since become an annual tradition that brings doctors and patients together for a shared walk.
In May 2026, Krokovačka took place in more than 20 locations across Slovakia, organised by doctors in their own regions, helping to strengthen trust and communication between doctors and patients.
Website: ssvpl.sk
See photos on Facebook.
Submitted by Michaela Machacova, MD
Somalia (no Member Organization) — A submission from the only family physician in Somalia, through AfriWon Renaissance.
For World Family Doctor Day 2026, AfriWon Renaissance, the Young Doctors Movement of WONCA Africa, featured the only family physician practising in Somalia, marking the day and the place of family medicine in the country.
Read the feature in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Medicina Familiar (SEMF) — Social media campaigns, a gathering, and recognition of the best family physicians of the year.
The Ecuadorian Society of Family Medicine (SEMF) celebrated World Family Doctor Day 2026 by publishing a congratulatory flyer and the official 2026 banner across its networks, holding a gathering, and recognising its best family physicians of 2025. Members shared the official banner across their channels.
Website: semf.ec
See SEMF on Facebook and watch the video.
Submitted by Estuardo Bermeo
Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) — World Family Doctor Day 2026 celebrations in Nigeria, reported through AfriWon Renaissance.
Family doctors in Nigeria, with the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), marked World Family Doctor Day 2026 as part of the regional celebrations reported by AfriWon Renaissance, the Young Doctors Movement of WONCA Africa.
Read more in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG) — A national stakeholder engagement in Tarkwa, medical and surgical outreaches, screenings, and media tours.
SOFPOG held a national stakeholder engagement in Tarkwa, in Ghana's Western Region, bringing together family physicians, government officials, health service policymakers, academia, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to discuss the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World." Medical and surgical outreaches were also held in Tarkwa, and Ho Teaching Hospital ran health screenings for the community.
Family physicians took part in radio and television tours to explain the day's theme, and continuous professional development programmes were held on various topics, including "Digital Innovation in Primary Care: Compassionate and Ethical Telemedicine." An Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Takoradi wrapped up the celebrations. The Society worked with a range of partners, including the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, the Ghana Health Service, the University of Mines and Technology, and several teaching hospitals, and engaged with the Western Regional Minister.
Website: sofpog.org
Read more: SOFPOG stakeholder engagement in Tarkwa and the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation medical outreach. Ghana's celebrations were also featured in the AfriWon News bulletin.
Submitted by Dr Baaba Damoah
South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) — A social media campaign and a renewed call for investment in family physician training and deployment.
The South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) marked World Family Doctor Day by recognising the role of family physicians as specialist clinicians, consultants, educators, and clinical governance leaders within South Africa's District Health System, particularly in rural, peri-urban, and resource-constrained communities where equitable access to specialist services remains a challenge. Institutions and universities shared their initiatives with SAAFP, which posted on its website and across its social media and WhatsApp groups, inviting colleagues to use a World Family Doctor Day 2026 social media frame.
The Academy noted new national data showing that South Africa has reached only 18.9% of the SAAFP 2030 target for family physician deployment, with marked inequities across provinces and districts, and called for human resource planning, policy, and funding to align with the role of family physicians in the District Health System. As it commemorated the day, SAAFP called for renewed investment in training, in creating and funding posts, and in scaling up the deployment of family physicians across the country, noting that a stronger District Health System requires stronger family medicine.
Universities directly involved with the Academy include the University of Cape Town, the University of Stellenbosch, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Website: saafp.org
Submitted by Lucille Potts and Tasleem Ras
WONCA Iberoamericana CIMF — Family Doctor Week across Ibero-America, with webinars, forums, audiovisual campaigns, and an online chess tournament.
For World Family Doctor Day 2026, the Iberoamerican Confederation of Family Medicine (CIMF) ran a programme under the theme "Compassionate Care in a Digital World," with the regional message "Between algorithms and people, we choose to care." It opened with a message from CIMF President Dr Dora Bernal, who emphasised that even in an increasingly digital world, the essence of family medicine remains deeply human, grounded in empathy, active listening, and commitment to individuals, families, and communities.
During Family Doctor Week, from 19 to 23 May, CIMF held a range of academic, creative, and institutional activities. These included the Waynakay virtual forum on the future of young family physicians and humanised care; a collaborative webinar between the Spirituality and Health and Planetary Health working groups; a hybrid event by the Education Working Group on digital humanism; and a live session, in Spanish and Portuguese, led by the Women Family Physicians group. A notable highlight was the Online Family Medicine Chess Tournament, organised by the Family Medicine and Migration Health Working Group, inspired by Chess for Protection and developed with the support of the Ecuadorian Chess Federation, promoting integration, inclusion, and reflection on migration and health. The campaign also featured videos from several working groups on humanity, migration, certification, planetary health, and women's leadership. CIMF also promoted the 9th Iberoamerican Congress of Family and Community Medicine, to be held in Asunción, Paraguay, from 22 to 25 July 2026.
Website: cimfwonca.org
Submitted by Dr Thomas Meoño
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) — A multi-channel campaign celebrating family physicians and advocating for better digital health systems.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) ran a multi-channel marketing and advocacy campaign to celebrate family physicians and to use World Family Doctor Day to advocate for better digital health systems. Ahead of the day, the College published a series of social media posts across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, including features on family physicians and its "Family Medicine Matters" podcast, and a call for government-funded AI scribes for all family physician practices across Canada, inviting family physicians to write to their Member of Parliament through a digital letter-writing tool. The College also drew on its email list of more than 45,000 members with a communication thanking family doctors.
On the day itself, activities peaked with a joint statement from the CFPC CEO and President, published on the website and social media, alongside a bilingual video (in English and French) from the President and Board of Directors, and continued emphasis on the AI scribes advocacy initiative. The campaign included a social media toolkit for the College's provincial chapters, and concluded with a recap to all members linking back to the joint statement.
Read the CFPC statement, and watch the CFPC Board video.
Website: cfpc.ca
Submitted by Shona Skerrett
Our thanks go to all Member Organizations who shared their reports. The activities of our global community continue to demonstrate what family medicine offers: continuity, trust, and compassionate, person-centred care, in a digital world as in every other.