Cape Town, South Africa will host the 18th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH) from September 6–9, 2026, convening more than 2,000 public health professionals, policymakers, and advocates from around the world. The Congress is organised by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) in partnership with the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA).
It is the first time the World Congress on Public Health has been held in Southern Africa, and its first return to African soil in nearly three decades, a reflection of Africa’s growing voice in global health.
With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Cape Town provides a fitting setting to confront today’s most pressing global health challenges under the Congress theme: “Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.”
The programme features plenaries, World Leadership Dialogues (WLD), symposia, workshops, poster sessions, and oral presentations - formats designed to foster substantive, cross-disciplinary discussions.
Why This Matters
Africa faces an unprecedented surge in health emergencies even as foreign aid declines sharply. The Congress arrives at a pivotal moment, placing the continent at the centre of global public health conversations and decision-making.
For Africa, hosting the Congress will strengthen partnerships, attract investment in health research and infrastructure, and amplify African perspectives in global health governance, reinforcing the continent’s readiness to move from crisis response to solution leadership.