World Medical Association and CANMA hold first-ever leadership programme for physician leaders in Africa

Livingstone, Zambia / 18–20 August 2026

The World Medical Association (WMA), in collaboration with the Coalition of African National Medical Associations (CANMA), held the first leadership training programme designed specifically for physician leaders in Africa. The three-day programme, taking place in Livingstone, brought together physicians from across African countries.

The programme offered physician leaders from across the continent a platform to connect, share experience, and learn from one another. A central focus was the further development of CANMA itself, and how collaboration among African national medical associations can be deepened. Participants also discussed how the African physician voice can be strengthened in international forums, within the WMA, and in closer collaboration with the African Union, the WHO Regional Office for Africa and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

WMA President Dr Jacqueline Kitulu, herself from Kenya, addressed participants during the programme, underlining the significance of African leadership at the helm of the world physicians’ organisation.

“Collaboration lies at the very heart of what we do as an international medical community,” said Dr Kitulu. “In the spirit of Ubuntu – recognizing that we are stronger together – the further development of CANMA will significantly increase the voice of the African medical profession, both on the continent and beyond. This programme is an important step in ensuring that African physician leaders are equipped and connected to shape the future of medicine and health policy, in their own countries and on the global stage.”

The programme covered a broad range of topics, including interregional and intercontinental collaboration, health financing and workforce challenges, universal health coverage, and innovation in African healthcare, alongside dedicated sessions on the future direction of CANMA.

CANMA President Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa said “The programme seeks to move beyond leadership development towards collective action, strengthening CANMA as a platform for African medical associations to develop common positions, influence health policy, advocate for the continent’s health workforce and ensure that the African physician voice is more effectively represented in global health governance”.

The World Medical Association is an international organisation representing physicians worldwide, dedicated to establishing and promoting the highest possible standards of medical ethics, education, science, and care.

The Coalition of African National Medical Associations brings together national medical associations from across Africa to strengthen physician representation and collaboration on the continent.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa (President CANMA): chair@samedical.org

Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu (President WMA)