Wonca WORKING PARTY ON RURAL PRACTICE

Overview

The Wonca working party consists of up to 20 members with at least two representatives from each of the world's regions: Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australasia/Pacific. These members are identified through Wonca member associations in each region with a requirement that each member be a rural practitioner or has a close association with rural practice. The Working Party is committed to achieving gender equity including with regard to the Working Party membership.

The chair of the Working Party is elected by the Working Party members for a three year term commencing in the year of each Wonca World Conference.

Vision

Health for all rural people around the world

Mission

Improving rural health care around the world

Objectives

To facilitate communication between and networking of rural general practitioners around the world both individually and through rural  family doctors' organisations and interest groups

To represent rural family doctors within Wonca, to Wonca Council, Standing Committees, Working Parties and Member Organisations.

Through Wonca to liaise on rural health issues with the World Health Organisation and other relevant international bodies.

To collaborate with organisations of rural doctors

To address issues of importance to rural family doctors including developing effective

• Rural health care systems with appropriate funding to meet community needs
• Integration of the family doctor into primary health care approaches for rural health care delivery
• Community participation including a multisectorial approach to health care and health promotion in rural communities
• Strategies to improve the status and health of rural women around the world
• Rural health workforce models.
• Recruitment, retention and support strategies for  rural practitioners.
• Education and training for rural medical practice
• Research in rural health and rural practice including building research and development partnerships involving individuals  and organisations in different countries

Members of The Wonca Working Party on Rural Practice