AfriWON Newsletter: Welcome to Gaborone
AfriWON Renaissance Welcomes You to Gaborone
Download the newsletter (PDF)
AfriWON Renaissance, the Young Doctors' Movement of the WONCA Africa Region, has produced a newsletter ahead of the 9th WONCA Africa Region Conference in Gaborone, Botswana, from 10 to 11 September 2026. The conference theme is "We Are One: Africa united to advance planetary health through collaboration and resource alignment in primary health care."
It opens with a welcome from Professor Billy Tsima, Conference Co-chair, and sets out the programme for the Young Doctors' Pre-Conference on 9 September, aimed at early-career family physicians and registrars within five years of graduation. The pre-conference focuses on emergency care skills, research and advocacy capacity, and peer mentorship networks.
A feature article by Dr Mandisa Tenego, family physician in the Boteti West District, offers a first-hand account of leading planetary health work in rural Botswana, using family medicine core competencies to respond to malaria, heat-related illness, and the effects of a changing climate on her community.
The newsletter also includes practical information for delegates, covering accommodation in Gaborone, visa requirements, embassy contacts, ports of entry, and an introduction to Botswana as the host country.
The newsletter is edited by Dr Nantale Peace, AfriWON Research and Clinical Audit Lead, with Dr Thando Agape Dube as Editor and Graphic Design lead.
Download the newsletter (PDF)
Behind the scenes: the team bringing WONCA Africa 2026 to Botswana
The 9th WONCA Africa Regional Conference is being hosted in Botswana through a collaborative effort between the Botswana Association of Family Physicians (BAOFP), the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care at the University of Botswana, and the Botswana Family Nurse Practitioners Association.
Founded and registered in 2019, BAOFP serves as the professional home for family physicians and family medicine trainees in Botswana. Since its inception, the organisation has been committed to advancing family medicine, strengthening primary health care, and fostering professional development within the country.
The conference is co-chaired by Dr Claire Brockbank, Chairperson of BAOFP and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Botswana, and Professor Billy Tsima, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Botswana. Together they lead a diverse and dedicated team working to deliver a conference that reflects the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in African primary health care.
A message from the Conference Chair
"We are delighted to welcome delegates from across Africa and beyond to Botswana for the 9th WONCA Africa Regional Conference. This gathering is more than a scientific meeting. It is an opportunity to connect, learn from one another, celebrate our achievements, and inspire the next generation of family doctors. We look forward to learning more about planetary health and discussing opportunities for future research, advocacy, and developing resilient communities and health systems. We especially encourage young doctors and trainees to engage fully, share their experiences, and become active contributors to shaping the future of family medicine in Africa."
Dr Claire Brockbank, Co-Chair, 9th WONCA Africa Regional Conference
Meet the conference leadership team
Dr Claire Brockbank, Conference Chair. Dr Brockbank is the current Chairperson of the Botswana Association of Family Physicians, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Botswana, and the Africa Regional Chair for the WONCA Working Party on Planetary Health. She has been instrumental in leading the planning and coordination of the conference.
Professor Billy Tsima, Conference Co-Chair. Professor Tsima is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology in the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care at the University of Botswana. He is a respected leader in family medicine education, research, and health systems strengthening across the region.
Dr Mandisa Ndlovu-Tenego, Vice Secretary. Dr Ndlovu-Tenego supports conference coordination and communication while also contributing to youth and trainee engagement through AfriWON activities.
Working together: conference subcommittees
The success of the conference rests on the commitment and enthusiasm of several subcommittees and volunteers.
Sponsorship Committee: Dr Yaone Bogatsu, Mrs Kenewang Motshegwa, and Dr Koketso Maotwe. Focused on building partnerships and securing support to ensure a high-quality conference experience for delegates.
Event Management Committee: Ms Setshwano Moaisi, Dr Mimi Gaogakwe Sedio, and Mrs Lame Setswalo. This team oversees conference logistics, delegate experience, and the smooth running of conference activities.
Pre-Conference Committee:
- Dr Keneilwe Motlhatlhedi, PRIMAFAMED activities
- Dr Ludo Monene, Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions
- Dr Mandisa Ndlovu-Tenego, AfriWON programme
- Mr Otis Koobake, primary care observations and clinic visits
- Dr Kesegofetse Chabaesele, WONCA Working Party on Women and Family Medicine activities
- Ms Punah Nyepetsi, pre-conference social events
The pre-conference programme offers delegates unique opportunities for learning, networking, and engagement before the main conference begins.
Scientific Committee: Professor Billy Tsima and Dr Stephane Tshitenge. The main conference sessions feature speakers and presentations from experts in primary health care from Africa and beyond.
As delegates prepare to gather in Botswana, the organising committee looks forward to welcoming AfriWON, family physicians, trainees, nurses, researchers, educators, and primary care leaders from across Africa and beyond. The conference promises to be a celebration of the people, partnerships, and ideas that continue to strengthen family medicine and primary health care.
Information for delegates
The conference takes place at the Gaborone International Conference Centre (GICC) from 10 to 11 September 2026, with the pre-conference held at the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) from 7 to 9 September 2026.
- Visas: apply through the Botswana eVisa portal at https://evisa.gov.bw/
- Accommodation: Botswana Tourism Organisation, Booking.com, Airbnb, and Tripadvisor are useful sites to check for local accommodation. Recommended areas include Block 5, Kgale View, Gaborone Central, and the Village. It is best to stay in groups.
- Getting around: public transport is available but can be difficult to navigate without Setswana. The Yango and inDrive apps are available and offer affordable rides.
- Telecommunications and internet: the three main providers are Mascom, Orange, and BTC. Most accommodation offers fair internet access for free.
A few local words
- Dumela Mma or Dumela Rra: Hello madam or hello sir, a greeting used to address a single person
- Ke nna...: I am...
- Ke kopa thuso: I am asking for help
- Ke ya ko...: I am going to...
- Ke a leboga or Tanki: Thank you
Useful links