Advancing Primary Care Leadership in the Global Fight Against NCDs
The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) is pleased to invite applications for the next Chair of the Special Interest Group (SIG) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). We seek a committed and dynamic leader to guide this important group and drive primary care engagement in addressing the growing global burden of NCDs.
About the SIG on NCDs
Non-communicable diseases—including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions—pose an increasing challenge worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Family doctors and primary care teams have a crucial role in prevention, early diagnosis, ongoing management, and advocacy at the community and global policy levels.
WONCA currently has an existing Special Interest Group on NCDs, and we are seeking to strengthen and enhance its impact globally through renewed leadership, broader regional participation, and participation in strategic activities.
The WONCA SIG on NCDs aims to:
- Strengthen global collaboration in primary care approaches to NCDs
- Share and promote best practices for integrated, person-centered care
- Advocate eLectively for NCD prevention and management in global health policy discussions
- Support capacity building, education, research, and policy development relevant to family medicine’s response to NCDs
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from passionate WONCA members who:
- Have a track record of active engagement in clinical care, education, research, policy work, or advocacy related to NCDs
- Represent diverse professional experiences and can foster broad regional participation
- Are committed to equity, innovation, and excellence in global primary care
- Have demonstrated experience leading or participating in projects and initiatives
- Are prepared to actively contribute to—and build a group capable of engaging in— educational, capacity-building, policy, or other relevant WONCA projects
The new Chair will be responsible for ensuring broad global representation and facilitating active participation from members across all WONCA regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, East Mediterranean, Europe, Iberoamericana-CIMF, North America, and South Asia. The Chair will also be responsible for supporting the active involvement of Young Doctors.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- A brief statement of interest outlining your vision for the SIG on NCDs. In the statement, please provide ideas to ensure success in developing a worldwide group that can show leadership in the field of NCDs (max. 400 words)
- A CV highlighting relevant experience (max. 2 pages).
- A clear summary of your involvement in NCD-related work, such as clinical initiatives, research, education, publications, or policy contributions—demonstrating a strong and sustained interest in NCDs (max. 400 words).
Deadline for applications: 31 July 2025
Submit applications to: nominations@wonca.com
The Chair will be selected by a three-member panel chaired by Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi (WONCA President-Elect).
We look forward to your applications and thank you in advance for your commitment to advancing primary care leadership in addressing NCDs globally.