WONCA World Conference 2027 - Cape Town
WONCA World Conference 2027 - Cape Town, South Africa
Our global meeting of family doctors. Every two years, family doctors from all seven WONCA regions come together for the WONCA World Conference. In 2027 we meet in Cape Town, preceded by the WONCA World Council.
Dates: 3-7 November 2027
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Theme: “The roles of the family doctor in the primary health care team”
Visit the conference website
Invitation from conference chair Prof Bob Mash
Key dates
- 1 February 2027: abstract submission opens
- 1 March 2027: registration opens
- 15 April 2027: abstract submission deadline
- 30 June 2027: announcement of acceptance to authors
- 15 July 2027: early registration deadline
- 30 September 2027: regular registration deadline
Find out more on the conference website
About the event
Hosted by the South African Academy of Family Physicians, in collaboration with WONCA Africa and the PRIMAFAMED Network, the WONCA World Conference 2027 will bring together family doctors from around the world to discuss key issues, share the latest evidence, build clinical skills, network and develop new collaborations.
The WONCA World Conference last came to Africa in 2001. This conference is particularly significant for family doctors across the continent, making WONCA more accessible and welcoming new members into our global community.
Cape Town is a well-known and affordable destination. Delegates can ascend Table Mountain, cruise Table Bay, meet penguins, relax on the beaches, enjoy local food, explore the vineyards and experience African culture, with safaris in the wider region.
Invitation letter from Prof Bob Mash
We look forward to welcoming you in Cape Town for the WONCA World Conference in 2027. This is the first time in 25 years that the conference has been held in Africa, and we hope that you will take the opportunity to visit and engage.
The theme of the conference is “the roles of the family doctor in the primary health care team”. This is an issue across the world as we develop appropriate multidisciplinary teams to deliver high quality primary care in different contexts. Regardless of the context the family doctor will always be a key member of the team, but their roles may differ in emphasis and substance, and teams may differ in composition. Our core values however remain the same: to offer accessible, person-centred, high quality, continuous, coordinated and comprehensive care.
We hope that this conference will enable you to engage with the latest issues, research and innovations in our discipline. Artificial intelligence and digital technology are already transforming our roles and teams. COVID-19 has shown us the importance of integrating primary care and public health functions, what we call community-orientated primary care in Africa. Creating safe and supportive workplaces for patients and staff is also a priority and teamwork, organisational culture, and leadership are all important to create systems that enable wellbeing. Resilience is emerging as a key attribute of primary care facilities and services that needs attention in a world challenged by climate change, pandemics and austerity. These are just a few of the issues we hope to discuss and engage with.
We trust that as you attend this conference you will also develop new professional and clinical skills and build new relationships and collaborations as you engage with global colleagues. We particularly hope that this conference will give an opportunity for many family doctors from Africa to meet their global community, and for you to meet us!
Time Out Magazine says that “Cape Town has been crowned the Best City in the World for 2025, a recognition that reflects the city’s exceptional quality of life and vibrant community spirit. The city’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm, along with its rich history and cultural offerings, has made it a standout choice for travellers and residents alike. Cape Town’s high ratings in food, nightlife, culture, affordability, and overall vibe have solidified its position as a top destination”
We hope to see you in Cape Town in November 2027.
Prof Bob Mash
Chair, Host Organising Committee
President, WONCA Africa
Visa and travel
South Africa has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This is a digital entry permit linked to your passport, which allows eligible travellers to visit without a traditional paper visitor’s visa. ETA entry is currently available at Cape Town International, O. R. Tambo and Lanseria airports, and the application fee is R500.
If you do not need a visa to visit South Africa, you can still apply for an ETA to use faster processing lanes on arrival.
Entry rules are being updated in phases. Please check what applies to you well before you travel.
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Theme
The theme of the conference is “The roles of the family doctor in the primary health care team”.
Destination
Cape Town, South Africa, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Looking back at our last WONCA World Conference, Lisbon 2025
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