From The President: Season's Greetings

With the end of the year imminent it seems an appropriate time to reflect on progress on the strength and resilience of our global community, united in the shared goal of advancing health care across the world.

At the same time, we hold in our hearts and thoughts, the safety and well-being of all health professionals working in regions affected by conflict. We demand their protection, as is their right.

WONCA has issued several statements relating to the safety of health workers in conflicts. Our most recent one was approved at the December Executive meeting and can be found in full here. Protecting healthcare professionals is not optional; it is a moral and legal obligation that transcends borders, politics, and conflicts. This time of year, peace and the safety for our colleagues is at the forefront of our minds.

I am sure we all hope and pray for a peaceful 2025.

For WONCA, 2025 brings a world conference to be held in Lisbon, in September.

We also have a number of regional conferences starting in April, with the South Asia region conference in Bengaluru, India, and the Asia-Pacific region conference in Pusan, South Korea. Also, WONCA Iberoamericana CIMF, will have both a Cumbre and a Congress, in Montevideo Uruguay, May.

It’s well known that I think WONCA conferences are a fantastic opportunity to meet new colleagues, renew old friendships and exchange ideas and network. I encourage you to consider whether you might submit an abstract or a poster, or just attend, and enjoy at least one of our 2025 conferences found on this page on the WONCA website.

May this season bring you peace, health, and joy, and may the year ahead offer new opportunities for growth and connection.

Karen Flegg
WONCA President