The Fifth Wonca World Conference on Rural Health will be a landmark event in rural health both nationally and internationally.

Registration of delegates has already surpassed all other World Conferences on Rural Health. Conference organizers believe this reflects not only the commitment of rural health practitioners but also the growing interest in rural health.

As you can understand however many in the rural health workforce from developing countries will have difficulty in raising the funds needed to attend the Conference.

To make the event as representative and inclusive of those working in rural health as possible, Conference organizers have established a fund to assist delegates from developing countries to attend.

Applications for support have been received from doctors and other health professionals in countries such as China, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa and Vanuatu. Their presence will add to the strength of the international voice of the Conference.

You can help support a delegate either personally or through your organisation by making a donation now. All those who support-a-delegate will be publicly acknowledged during the conference. Funds sufficient to enable 16 people to attend have been received so far.

Individuals and organizations wishing to make a contribution to the Support a Delegate Fund can make a donation through the registration process. In the Payment Summary section of the Registration Form, there is space to add to the fund. Look for the line Support a Delegate Donation. Donations can also be made by contacting the conference organisers.

In particular, those who receive a 20% discount on the Registration fee through booking as a group or as a Wonca Direct member by 31 March are urged to contribute some of the substantial savings they receive to the Support a Delegate Fund.

The Conference Committee is currently considering funding applications and will be making a decision shortly.