Advancing
Rural Health
Everywhere.
Rural WONCA is the Working Party on Rural Practice of WONCA — bridging isolated communities and global expertise through evidence, advocacy, and a shared commitment to rural medicine.
Wellington, New Zealand
10 – 13 April 2026. Hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network under the theme of Whānau Ora — All for the Wellbeing of Families.
Register Interest arrow_forwardOur core programmes
Rural Seeds
Empowering the next generation of rural family doctors through mentorship, regional networking, and grassroots advocacy projects. A community-driven initiative within Rural WONCA connecting students and young doctors in over 100 countries.
Institute of Learning
Specialized clinical resources and CME-accredited materials built for the unique challenges of rural practice.
The Rural Library
A curated, searchable archive of declarations, peer-reviewed research, WHO policies, and practical toolkits for rural health professionals.
Global Advocacy
Rural WONCA has worked with the World Health Organization since 2018 to review evidence for rural health workforce recruitment and retention. Our working parties are active on every continent, influencing WHO policy and local healthcare delivery.
"Welcome to the newly reimagined digital home of Rural WONCA. We have built this platform to be far more than just a repository of knowledge; it is a dynamic, global action hub designed to connect, equip, and empower rural healthcare professionals across the world. Whether you are accessing critical evidence in our Rural Library, shaping the future of medicine through our Rural Seeds youth movement, or collaborating with peers to drive policy change, this space was engineered for you. I invite you to explore our new digital community, share your on-the-ground expertise, and join us in our relentless shared mission to advance global rural health and ensure that no community is left behind, no matter how remote."
Our member organisations
28 institutions across 15+ countries — united to advance rural health globally
Improving health outcomes in rural communities globally
Rural WONCA — the Working Party on Rural Practice of the World Organization of Family Doctors — is the international voice for rural family medicine. We connect practitioners, researchers, educators, and advocates across 130+ countries to shape healthcare policy, build capacity, and amplify the voice of rural medicine on the world stage.
Shaping WHO & national policies on rural health workforce recruitment and retention through evidence-based declarations.
Delivering accredited CME programmes, toolkits, and rural medical education frameworks through the Institute of Learning.
Building the next generation of rural doctors through the Rural Seeds youth movement, spanning every continent.
Latest from Rural WONCA
21st World Rural
Health Conference
10 – 13 April 2026 · Wellington, New Zealand
Whānau Ora — All for the Wellbeing of Families