Imagine a world where health knows no borders, where equity, inclusion, and sustainability are the cornerstones of global well-being. This isn't just a dream; it's the driving force behind the 18th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH 2026), taking place from September 6th to 9th, 2026, in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. This landmark event marks a historic first: the Congress will be hosted in Southern Africa, signaling a deliberate shift towards amplifying voices from the Global South and showcasing African leadership in public health. But here's where it gets even more exciting: WCPH 2026 isn't just a conference; it's a call to action, a platform for dismantling systemic barriers to health and building resilient, equitable, and inclusive health systems that can withstand the pressures of our interconnected world.
Organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) and co-hosted by the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA), this gathering will bring together a diverse array of global health professionals, researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations, and academics at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Under the theme 'Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability,' the Congress aims to foster collaborative solutions to the most pressing global health challenges.
And this is the part most people miss: In a post-pandemic world grappling with climate emergencies, migration crises, and persistent health disparities, WCPH 2026 emphasizes the urgent need for collective responsibility and action across borders and disciplines. The Congress will feature plenary sessions with high-profile speakers, oral and poster presentations, interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, exhibitions, and ample networking opportunities.
Topics will span a wide range of critical public health issues, including but not limited to:
- Health equity, gender justice, and social determinants of health – addressing the root causes of disparities.
- Climate change and environmental health – exploring the intersection of planetary and human health.
- Mental health and well-being – prioritizing emotional and psychological resilience.
- Decolonisation of public health – challenging dominant narratives and practices.
- Health systems strengthening – building robust frameworks for universal health coverage.
- Vaccine confidence and pandemic preparedness – lessons from COVID-19 and beyond.
- Public health ethics, law, and governance – navigating complex moral and legal landscapes.
- Digital health and AI – leveraging technology for better health outcomes.
- Maternal, child, and adolescent health – ensuring healthy starts for all.
- Indigenous and traditional health practices – honoring and integrating diverse knowledge systems.
- Minorities, refugees, and LGBTQ+ health – addressing the unique needs of marginalized communities.
- Public health communication, disinformation, and advocacy – combating misinformation and amplifying truth.
With over 30 thematic tracks, WCPH 2026 ensures broad representation of disciplines and urgent health issues. Researchers, practitioners, and organizations are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentations, posters, and workshops. The submission portal opened on September 1, 2025, with a deadline of November 30, 2025. Abstracts, written in English (max. 300 words), should follow a structured format: Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. Submissions will undergo peer review by the International Scientific Committee, with decisions announced by February 1, 2026. Accepted abstracts will be published in the official Congress Abstracts Book and included in the Population Medicine Journal, contributing to the global public health literature.
But here's the controversial part: As we strive for equity and inclusion, how do we ensure that the voices of the most marginalized communities are not just heard but actively shape the agenda? WCPH 2026 aims to address this by prioritizing regional representation and context-specific discussions. However, the question remains: Are we doing enough to decolonize public health and truly empower local leadership? We invite you to join this conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.
Registration is now open, with early-bird rates available until April 30, 2026, followed by regular registration until July 31, 2026. On-site registration begins in August 2026, with fee structures varying by professional status and country income classification. Concessions are available for students and attendees from low- and middle-income countries.
Cape Town, with its rich history, diverse communities, and world-class infrastructure, provides the perfect backdrop for this international gathering. In line with its sustainability mission, WCPH 2026 will operate as a 'Green Congress,' minimizing environmental impact through reduced plastic use, digital materials, and locally sourced, ethical catering. Water refill stations and paper-free documentation are just a few of the eco-friendly practices being promoted.
Travel support, visa guidance, and accommodation options with special delegate rates will be available through the official Congress website. Whether you're a public health professional, policymaker, academic, NGO representative, or industry leader, WCPH 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, partnership building, and amplifying innovation from diverse settings.
The Congress aims to leave a lasting legacy by:
- Elevating African perspectives in global health discourse.
- Strengthening health diplomacy and advocacy capacity.
- Fostering lasting partnerships and South-South collaborations.
- Sharing practical solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Inspiring the next generation of public health leaders.
Key Dates at a Glance:
- Abstract submission opens: September 1, 2025
- Abstract deadline: November 30, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: February 1, 2026
- Early-bird registration ends: April 30, 2026
- Regular registration ends: July 31, 2026
- Congress dates: September 6–9, 2026
For more details on abstract submission, registration, travel, and sponsorship, visit the official Congress website: https://www.wcph.org. Stay updated on similar opportunities by following us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Telegram.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Do not send applications to GSO, as we cannot process them. Due to high email volumes, we may not respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
