11th NEAR Regional Congress

MWIA NEAR
2027 Regional Congress

Empowering women doctors across Africa & the Near East

5–9 May 2027
Zanzibar, Tanzania
400+ Delegates · Hybrid Format
Register Your Interest Explore the Congress
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Hosted by Medical Women Association of Tanzania (MEWATA) Celebrating 40 Years · Founded 1987
1919 MWIA Founded
1993 First NEAR Congress
11th Regional Congress
40 Years of MEWATA
Why This Congress Matters

A Critical Moment for Women in Medicine

The MWIA Near East and Africa Region (MWIA NEAR) 2027 Regional Congress will bring together women physicians, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and partners from across Africa and the Near East for five days of knowledge exchange, advocacy, and collaboration.

At a time when the region faces multiple and evolving public health challenges — from persistent maternal and reproductive health concerns, growing burdens of non-communicable diseases, and ongoing pressures on health systems with the rise in health emergencies — this congress represents a critical opportunity to strengthen the collective voice and leadership of women in medicine.

The meeting will provide a platform to share innovations, promote preparedness and response strategies, advance health equity, and chart a shared agenda for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare systems across Africa and the Near East.

Healthcare professionals working together
Strengthening the collective voice of women in medicine across the region
Our Organizations

About MWIA, NEAR & MEWATA

About MWIA

Founded in 1919 in New York City, the Medical Women's International Association united 140 women physicians from 15 countries. Today, MWIA represents women doctors and medical students across six continents and eight regions.

As an NGO with consultative status at the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the World Health Assembly in Geneva, MWIA has spent over a century contributing to international treaties, resolutions, and policy frameworks that protect and promote the health, well-being, and rights of women and girls worldwide.

Historic streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar

MWIA NEAR Region

MWIA operates through eight regional bodies, each convening member associations to address shared health priorities and advance the professional standing of women in medicine at a regional level.

The Near East and Africa Region held its first Regional Congress in Nairobi, Kenya in 1993, centred on the health of women and safe motherhood. Since then, the Regional Congress has served as the premier gathering for women physicians across the region.

Coastline of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Congress Host

MEWATA — Tanzania

Founded in 1987 and registered as a voluntary NGO in 1989, MEWATA unites women medical and dental professionals under a shared mission to improve the health and well-being of Tanzanians — particularly women and children — and to advocate for gender equity in the medical profession.

Over nearly four decades, MEWATA has delivered programmes across breast cancer control, HIV and AIDS care, reproductive health and rights, capacity building, and community outreach. MEWATA is also initiating fund mobilization to develop a Women Wellness Centre.

Congress Goal
To empower women doctors in the Near East and Africa Region by strengthening leadership capacity, promoting cross-regional collaboration, and advancing innovation in healthcare delivery.

As MEWATA celebrates its 40th anniversary, this landmark congress provides a pivotal moment to appreciate our past achievements and strategize for the coming decade — mentoring female students, complementing the Government of Tanzania's health efforts, and advancing research in women's health to drive policy and improve healthcare practices.

What We Aim to Achieve

Congress Objectives

  1. 01

    Provide a platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking among women doctors across the Africa and Near East regions.

  2. 02

    Promote leadership development and career advancement for women in medicine.

  3. 03

    Address gender-specific challenges and barriers within the medical profession.

  4. 04

    Showcase innovations and research led by women in healthcare.

  5. 05

    Strengthen regional collaboration in addressing shared public health priorities.

Congress Programme

Theme & Sub-Themes

Main Theme

To be finalized soon

Theme announcement coming shortly — stay connected for updates
Women in Medical Leadership & Governance
Maternal & Reproductive Health
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Infectious Diseases, HIV & Cervical Cancer
Universal Health Coverage & Health Financing
Mental Health & Well-being of Healthcare Workers
Research, Education & Mentorship
Gender Equity in Healthcare Systems
Digital Health & AI in Women's Healthcare
Women as Responders to Outbreak Prevention & Control
Climate Change, Environment & Health
Who Should Attend

Target Participants

What to Expect

Key Activities

Historic alley in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Stone Town — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spices at a Zanzibar spice farm
Spice farm excursions
Turquoise waters off the coast of Zanzibar
Indian Ocean coastline
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Opening Ceremony

Presided over by the President of Zanzibar as Guest of Honour

◈

Keynote Speeches

Delivered by global health leaders shaping the future of women's medicine

✦

Gala Dinner

An evening of celebration, connection, and cultural exchange

▣

Panels & Plenaries

High-level discussions on regional health priorities and gender equity

◎

Breakout Workshops

Interactive sessions across all congress sub-themes

▤

Research & Posters

Presentations showcasing innovations led by women in healthcare

◇

Networking Events

Build lasting professional relationships across the region

⬡

Exhibition Booths

Health innovations and organizational showcases

❋

Cultural Excursions

Stone Town heritage walks and spice farm visits in Zanzibar

Location & Logistics

Zanzibar, Tanzania

The congress will be held in Zanzibar, with venue options including conference-grade resort hotels that combine professional facilities with the island's distinctive cultural setting in Stone Town.

  • Airport Transfers From Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
  • Visa Guidance Support for international participants
  • Accommodation Options at multiple price levels
  • Hybrid Platform Virtual participation for remote delegates
Stone Town, Zanzibar — congress host city
Aerial sunset view over Stone Town and the Indian Ocean
ZNZ 5–9 May 2027 Zanzibar, Tanzania
Lasting Impact

Expected Outcomes

01

A strengthened regional network of women doctors across Africa and the Near East

02

Increased mentorship and collaboration opportunities

03

Policy recommendations for gender equity in healthcare

04

New partnerships for research and innovation

05

Publication of congress proceedings and a post-event report

Collaborate With Us

Partnerships & Sponsorship

The MWIA NEAR 2027 Regional Congress is a high-profile, government-backed international event bringing together over 500 delegates from across Africa and the Near East — physicians, specialists, researchers, policymakers, and health sector leaders.

With the President of Zanzibar as Guest of Honour and a hybrid format extending reach well beyond Zanzibar, the congress offers sponsors and partners a powerful platform for visibility, institutional relationships, and demonstrated commitment to women's empowerment and regional development.

Sponsorship packages are available at multiple tiers with benefits tailored to the level of investment. A detailed sponsorship prospectus is available upon request.

Industry Financial Services Telecommunications Aviation Hospitality Media

Key Implementing Partners

  • Medical associations across Africa and the Near East
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Government ministries of health
  • Local & international organizations and NGOs
Get in Touch

Register Your Interest

Be among the first to receive updates on registration, programme announcements, and sponsorship opportunities for the MWIA NEAR 2027 Regional Congress.

Dr. Mary Mwanyika Sando President, MEWATA
mmwanyika.sando@gmail.com +255 713 269 063