11th NEAR Regional Congress

MWIA NEAR
2027 Regional Congress

Congress Theme: Women in Medicine Leading Change Through Innovation, Equity and Healthcare Transformation

Congress Dates in 2027:
Main Congress: 5–7 May (Scientific & GM)
Social Program: 8–9 May (Optional Tours)

5-9 May 2027
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel, Tanzania
400+ Delegates - Hybrid Format
Delegate RegistrationExplore the Congress
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Hosted byMedical Women Association of Tanzania (MEWATA)Celebrating 40 Years - Founded 1987
1919MWIA Founded
1993First NEAR Congress
11thRegional Congress
40Years 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, 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.

Strengthening the collective voice of women in medicine across the region
Strengthening the collective voice of women in medicine across the region
Our Organizations

About MWIA, NEAR and 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 policy frameworks that protect and promote the health, well-being, and rights of women and girls worldwide.

MWIA NEAR Region

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.

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.

MEWATA - 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.

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 past achievements and strategize for the coming decade.

What We Aim to Achieve

Congress Objectives

  1. 01

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

  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 and Sub-Themes

Main Theme

Women in Medicine Leading Change Through Innovation, Equity and Healthcare Transformation

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

Target Participants

What to Expect

Key Activities

Stone Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stone Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spice farm excursions
Spice farm excursions
Indian Ocean coastline
Indian Ocean coastline
*

Opening Ceremony

Presided over by our Distinguished Guest of Honour

+

Keynote Speeches

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

x

Gala Dinner

An evening of celebration, connection, and cultural exchange

#

Panels and Plenaries

High-level discussions on regional health priorities and gender equity

@

Breakout Workshops

Interactive sessions across all congress sub-themes

%

Research and 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

Registration Fees

Delegate Packages

Early Bird Registration closes on 28 February 2027. Late Registration closes on 15 April 2027.

Local DelegatesTanzanian delegates pay in TZS
CategoryEarly BirdLate Registration
Students150,000 TZS200,000 TZS
Members500,000 TZS600,000 TZS
Non-members550,000 TZS650,000 TZS
International DelegatesInternational delegates pay in USD
CategoryEarly BirdLate Registration
Students150 USD200 USD
Members400 USD500 USD
Non-members450 USD550 USD
Register Now
Location and 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 TransfersFrom Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
  • Visa GuidanceSupport for international participants
  • AccommodationOptions at multiple price levels
  • Hybrid PlatformVirtual participation for remote delegates
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel, Tanzania
ZNZ5-9 May 2027Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel, 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 and Sponsorship

The MWIA 2027 11th Regional Congress for Near East and Africa is a landmark, government-backed international summit assembling over 500 decision-makers, healthcare leaders and advocates in Zanzibar.

Featuring a high-level delegation and a hybrid global stream, the congress offers sponsors an influential platform to elevate brand visibility, forge strategic institutional partnerships and demonstrate a concrete commitment to women's health, 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.

IndustryFinancial ServicesTelecommunicationsAviationHospitalityMedia

Key Implementing Partners

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

Questions and Registration Support

For congress enquiries, sponsorship discussions, or registration support, contact the MEWATA congress secretariat.

mmwanyika.sando@gmail.com +255 713 269 063
Congress Secretariat

Register as a delegate for MWIA NEAR 2027

Use the dedicated registration page to submit delegate details, congress participation information, and your preferred payment option.

Open Delegate Registration