WONCA and WFPHA sign MoU for Primary Healthcare

World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Unite to Advance Healthcare through the Primary Health Care Alliance

VIENNA, AUSTRIA - October 1, 2023 - In a significant development at the historic Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna, the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This cooperative effort marks an important stride towards addressing the global challenges associated with achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) by 2030, as outlined in the Astana 2018 declaration.

The recently ratified MOU between WONCA and WFPHA is a pragmatic call to action, urging a renewed commitment to comprehensive health and social care with a strong focus on PHC. This partnership highlights the importance of inter-professional and interdisciplinary teamwork as the cornerstone of resilient health and social service systems.

Central to this collaboration is the establishment of the Global Forum for Primary Health Care (GlobalPHC), a pioneering initiative aimed at uniting multiple health worker organizations. The GlobalPHC seeks to advocate for comprehensive healthcare, the realization of UHC, and the promotion of shared values that underlie effective healthcare systems.

Prof Bettina Borisch, Executive Director of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, expressed her support for this partnership, stating: “Health is the result of multiple influencing conditions. That is why we have to adopt a systems approach and really work together, such as Public Health and primary care”.

WONCA President, Dr Anna Stavdal, also voiced support for the MOU, stating, "Family doctors play a pivotal role in delivering patient-centered care. This alliance allows us to merge our expertise with public health perspectives, creating a substantial force for positive change in healthcare worldwide."

The MOU solidifies the commitment of both organizations to work collaboratively, promoting comprehensive healthcare solutions that give due emphasis to Primary Health Care and work towards achieving the goal of Universal Health Care for all by 2030.

Read the full Memorandum of Understanding
Image credit: Prof. Bettina Borisch