From the Editor: March 2021

New month, new issue!

Welcome to the 2nd edition of volume 47 of WONCA News! Firstly, I wish to begin by saying I am highly appreciative for all feedback received regarding the February issue. I look forward to continuing to share the voice of WONCA, the way that everyone in this big family deserves.

Since the beginning of activities at the new WONCA Secretariat, we have had a very active couple of months, getting to know everyone who makes it possible for our organisation to continue its mission. I have been able to meet (digitally) with representatives of all the WONCA regions, our Member Organizations, our Working Parties and our Special Interest Groups to collaborate with all of them and reflect on their efforts in every edition.

During this month I also had the opportunity to work with several of our colleagues on the occasion of International Women's Day 2021, an important date for our organisation, as women represent 70% of workers in the health and social sectors. (Boniol, M ., McIsaac, M., Xu., L, Wuliji, T., Diallo, K., and Campbell, J., Gender Equity in the Health Workforce: Analysis of 104 Countries, World Health Organization, 2019.) Through articles, messages and videos, some members of the WONCA family highlighted the work of our female colleagues worldwide and the major role of family doctors in balancing gender inequalities.
 

About this Issue

In this edition I would like to highlight the work of our colleagues of all genders within the WONCA family, who every day build a better future through primary care.
First, I would like to warmly welcome a new member of the WONCA Executive Committee, Prof Taghreed Mohamed Farahat (Egypt), as Regional President of WONCA East Mediterranean 2021.

In his column, WONCA President, Dr Donald Li, talks about the adaptation of worldwide activities to overcome the challenges presented by COVID-19; and highlights the efforts of primary health care professionals to continue their mission despite adverse circumstances.

WONCA CEO, Dr Harris Lygidakis, reports 'From the Headquarters' team. This column contains the most recent activities from the Secretariat, including information regarding the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Council in May, the new Membership Portal and all the updates related to Data Protection and Privacy Policies.
This edition for March also includes information regarding dialogues on medicines and technologies for diabetes care, organised by the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD), in which Dr Hina Jawaid (Pakistan) participated on behalf of WONCA.

Please, do not miss out on two special items: one from our guest feature Dr John Wynn-Jones, immediate past chair of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice; and the other from our WONCA Special Interest Group on Ageing and Health, with small section Ageing lines: stories from caregivers and elderly patients, with anonymous collaborations and inspiring anecdotes.

Finally, stay up-to-date with the latest news on upcoming WONCA conferences and our Member Organizations events.

Enjoy this issue, and please remember that you can always drop me a line (or an article!) at [email protected].

Sincerely,  

Maria Dolores Zavala, 
WONCA Editor