WWPWFM Asia Pacific Region Activity Report
WONCA WORKING PARTY ON WOMEN AND FAMILY MEDICINE (WWPWFM)
WWPWFM APR Executive Structure (2026-2027)
Regional Representative (Asia-Pacific Region):
Dr Wong Ling Ying (Malaysia)
Country Leads:
- Dr Beatrice Jee Ngee Ling (Malaysia)
- Dr Johna Crisostomo (Philippines)
- Dr Nisachon Tongtip (Thailand)
- Dr Masumi Ogushi (Japan)
- Dr Anny Liu Ya-An (Taiwan)
- Dr Shariffa Syahidah (Singapore)
- Dr Lai Yin Win (Myanmar)
- Dr Cheryl Chan (Hong Kong)
This newly established regional structure is expected to strengthen coordination, facilitate crosscountry collaboration, and support context-specific initiatives in women’s health and family medicine.
The session successfully achieved its objectives of introducing WWPWFM priorities, celebrating women’s leadership, and co-developing a regional action agenda to influence health systems transformation. Strong engagement during the conference led to the recruitment of 84 new members on 26 March 2026, reflecting growing regional interest and momentum.
Academic and Scientific Contributions
WWPWFM APR showcased meaningful academic engagement through poster presentations addressing both clinical and community health domains.
A poster by Dr Beatrice Jee Ngee Ling presented a secondary analysis study conducted in Malaysian government primary care clinics, examining the dyadic relationship between male and female sexual dysfunction. The study highlighted the importance of recognising psychosexual health as a critical yet under-addressed component of comprehensive primary care.
In addition, Dr Johna Crisostomo presented a community-focused poster titled “Primary Health Care Training for Ternate, Cavite Barangay Health Workers.” This project, conducted in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Manila Community Health and Development Program, reflects the importance of strengthening community-based primary care and empowering grassroots health workers in advancing Universal Health Care.
Future Plans
Building on this momentum, WWPWFM APR will continue its efforts in education, advocacy, and regional collaboration.
An upcoming webinar titled “We take care of women, but who takes care of women doctors?” is scheduled for 26 April 2026 at 2:00 PM (MYT), corresponding to:
- Philippines / Singapore / Hong Kong: 2:00 PM
- Japan: 3:00 PM
- Thailand / Myanmar: 1:00 PM
- Western Australia: 2:00 PM
- Eastern Australia (Sydney/Melbourne): 4:00 PM
This session aims to explore the well-being, challenges, and support systems for women doctors, while fostering dialogue on sustainable workforce practices in family medicine.
In addition, WWPWFM APR intends to submit a workshop proposal for the WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2027 in Hong Kong, focusing on priority areas in women’s health and professional development. This reflects the region’s continued commitment to capacity building and advancing gender equity in family medicine.
WWPWFM Asia Pacific Region Activity Report
WONCA APR Conference, Iloilo, Philippines | 24-27 March 2026
The WONCA Working Party on Women and Family Medicine (WWPWFM) - Asia Pacific Region demonstrated strong regional engagement, emerging leadership, and academic contribution during the WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2026 in Iloilo.
A key highlight was the parallel session led by Dr Aileen Espina, which commemorated the legacy of WWPWFM since its establishment in 2001, including its leadership in advancing gender equity through landmark initiatives such as the Hamilton Equity Recommendations and the formation of the WONCA Organizational Equity Committee. The session also marked an important milestone with the introduction of the Asia Pacific regional structure, welcoming Dr Wong Ling Ying (Malaysia) as Regional Representative, supported by a network of country leads across the region.
Conclusion
The WWPWFM Asia Pacific Region’s participation in WONCA APR 2026 reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking approach encompassing leadership development, academic scholarship, and community engagement. The strong participation, expansion of membership, and scientific contributions highlight the growing influence of WWPWFM in the region.
Moving forward, WWPWFM APR remains committed to advancing gender equity, strengthening women’s leadership, and addressing priority areas in women’s health, while fostering collaborative partnerships to drive sustainable impact in family medicine across the Asia Pacific.
Prepared by,
Dr Wong Ling Ying
Regional Lead - Asia Pacific Region
WONCA Working Party - Women & Family Medicine
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