Call for Applications: Chair of SIG on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Call for Applications - Chair of WONCA SIG on NCDs

Call for Applications: Chair of the WONCA Special Interest Group on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Advancing Primary Care Leadership in the Global Fight Against NCDs

The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) is pleased to invite applications for the 
next Chair of the Special Interest Group (SIG) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). We 
seek a committed and dynamic leader to guide this important group and drive primary care 
engagement in addressing the growing global burden of NCDs. 

About the SIG on NCDs

Non-communicable  diseases—including  cardiovascular  diseases,  diabetes,  cancer, 
chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions—pose an increasing challenge 
worldwide,  particularly  in  low-  and  middle-income  countries.  Family  doctors  and  primary 
care  teams  have  a  crucial  role  in  prevention,  early  diagnosis,  ongoing  management,  and 
advocacy at the community and global policy levels. 

WONCA currently has an existing Special Interest Group on NCDs, and we are seeking to 
strengthen and enhance its impact globally through renewed leadership, broader regional 
participation, and participation in strategic activities. 

The WONCA SIG on NCDs aims to:

  • Strengthen global collaboration in primary care approaches to NCDs 
  • Share and promote best practices for integrated, person-centered care 
  • Advocate  eLectively  for  NCD  prevention  and  management  in  global  health  policy 
    discussions 
  • Support capacity building, education, research, and policy development relevant to 
    family medicine’s response to NCDs

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from WONCA members who:

  • Have a track record of active engagement in clinical care, education, research, policy 
    work, or advocacy related to NCDs 
  • Represent  diverse  professional  experiences  and  can  foster  broad  regional 
    participation 
  • Are committed to equity, innovation, and excellence in global primary care
  • Have demonstrated experience leading or participating in projects and initiatives 
  • Are prepared to actively contribute to—and build a group capable of engaging in—
    educational, capacity-building, policy, or other relevant WONCA projects

The new Chair will be responsible for ensuring broad global representation and facilitating 
active  participation  from  members  across  all  WONCA  regions:  Africa,  Asia  Pacific,  East 
Mediterranean,  Europe,  Iberoamericana-CIMF,  North  America,  and  South  Asia.  The  Chair 
will also be responsible for supporting the active involvement of Young Doctors. 

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit: 

  1. A  brief  statement  of  interest  outlining  your  vision  for  the  SIG  on  NCDs.  In  the 
    statement, please provide ideas to ensure success in developing a worldwide group 
    that can show leadership in the field of NCDs (max. 400 words) 
  2. A CV highlighting relevant experience (max. 2 pages). 
  3. A clear summary of your involvement in NCD-related work, such as clinical initiatives, 
    research, education, publications, or policy contributions—demonstrating a strong 
    and sustained interest in NCDs (max. 400 words). 

Deadline for applications: 31 July 2025 

Submit applications to: nominations@wonca.com  

The Chair will be selected by a three-member panel: Dr. Ana Cebria, A/Prof. Viviana Martinez-
Bianchi, and Prof. Dimity Pond. 

We  look  forward  to  your  applications  and  thank  you  in  advance  for  your  commitment  to 
advancing primary care leadership in addressing NCDs globally. 

Page last updated on 9 July 2025.