18th World Congress on Public Health 2026

The 18th World Congress on Public Health 2026 - "Equity Without Borders" is organised jointly by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) and the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA).

## About this conference The congress runs September 6-9, 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme "Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability." It addresses public health challenges arising from conflict, political instability, disease outbreaks, and inequitable systems, organised around three pillars: equity in public health and universal healthcare access; inclusion and diversity in health policy; and sustainability and resilience in health systems. As one of the largest global public health congresses, held on the African continent this cycle, it offers Ugandan public health professionals a rare nearby opportunity for large-scale international exchange; roughly 4,000 abstracts were received for this edition.

## Who should attend - Public health professionals and practitioners - Policymakers and public health advocates - Researchers presenting accepted oral, poster, or organised-session abstracts - Global health students

## What's available - Reduced registration rates for delegates from upper-middle, lower-middle, and low-income countries, and for students - Further discounts for WFPHA members within each income category - A group discount: one complimentary registration for every ten fully paid registrations from the same non-profit association or institution - An accompanying-person registration category

## How to register or submit Abstract submission for this edition is now closed; roughly 4,000 abstracts were received, with acceptance notifications sent in March 2026 and all accepted work published in the Congress Abstracts Book in the journal Population Medicine. Presenting authors of accepted abstracts must register by 31 May 2026 to keep their place on the programme. General registration remains open to all delegates through the official website (wcph.org), with fees in EUR (VAT included) rising in three stages.

## Key dates - Registration deadline for presenting authors: 31 May 2026 - Early registration rate: through 31 May 2026 - Standard registration rate: 1 June - 31 July 2026 - Late/on-site registration rate: from 1 August 2026 - Event: 6-9 September 2026, Cape Town, South Africa

No fees are required simply to learn about this conference. Check WFPHA's official site for the latest registration details.