The Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) Regional Congress for Near East and Africa was held 8th-10th May, 2024 with the theme “Health Equity through Partnerships, Innovation and Research” in line with the MWIA triennial theme, “One Humanity, Health Equity through our Partnerships”
The congress was hosted in Livingstone, Zambia and was well attended by more than 350 local and international delegates. Notable delegates included the MWIA President, Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, MWIA past President Dr. Clarissa Fabre, and MWIA President elect, Dr. Amany Asfour. The WHO Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti gave a keynote speech virtually and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for her public health work in Africa and globally. The guest of honour was the Zambian Minister of Health, Ms. Sylvia Masebo, who also received a Health Excellence award for her contribution to public health.
Other awards given included the Research and Innovation award to Dr. Nanthalile Mugala and Dr. Margaret Kasaro, the Global Mentorship award to Dr. Akwi Asombang, and an award to Dr. Claribel Abam for her contribution to the African regional growth.
MWAN, MWAZ and MWAG were also recognized for being the most active national association, hosting the MWIA congress and having the most active Young Doctors forum respectively. Dr. Oum-Kalsoum Adam Zakara was individually recognized for being committed to the Young Doctors Forum. Lesotho was also recognised for being a Vibrant New Member.
The Congress had an interesting 3 days of deliberations with important takeaways, including a call to increase maternity leave to at least 6 months in countries that give less paid leave to new mothers, among other resolutions.
FUTURE PLANS
The MWAZ AGM will be held in Livingstone on 30th August 2024 in Livingstone, Zambia.
MWAZ will host Aerobics for Cancer Awareness in October 2024.
Fig 1. MWIA President, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, meeting and welcoming the Zambian Minister of Health, Ms Sylvia Masebo, to the 10th Regional Congress for Near East and Africa, in Livingstone, Zambia, while MWAZ President, Dr Joyce Sakala looks on
Fig 2. Some of the delegates to the Congress with the MWIA Executive and the Guest of Honour, Ms Sylvia Masebo
Fig 3. MWIA PRESIDENT, DR. ELEANOR NWADINOBI, MWIA PRESIDENT ELECT, DR. AMANY ASFOUR AND DR. BEVERLY JOHNSON FOLLOWING PROCEEDINGS DURING THE MWIA CONGRESS HELD IN ZAMBIA