The world of global health is coming together in one place. The 18th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH 2026) is set to take place from September 6 to 9, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa. Organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) and the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA), this event is one of the most significant gatherings in the public health calendar.
Over 2,000 delegates from across the globe are expected to attend. They include researchers, policymakers, healthcare workers, academics, and advocates. Therefore, if you work in health or related fields, this event is worth your full attention.
This guide covers everything you need to know. From the theme and key topics to the schedule format and how to register, you will find all the essential details here.
What Makes WCPH 2026 Special
This year’s congress carries a historic distinction. For the first time ever, the World Congress on Public Health is being held in Southern Africa. This is a deliberate and meaningful choice.
Hosting the event in Cape Town signals a strong commitment to amplifying African voices in global health conversations. Africa faces many of the world’s most complex health challenges. However, international forums have often underrepresented African-led solutions and perspectives. WCPH 2026 aims to change that.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) will serve as the venue. The organizers have equipped this world-class facility to host a large-scale international congress. Additionally, Cape Town itself is a vibrant city that offers rich cultural experiences for attendees traveling from abroad.
The Central Theme: Health Without Borders
The guiding theme of WCPH 2026 is “Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.” Every session, workshop, and discussion will connect back to this core idea.
The theme reflects a pressing reality. Conflict, political instability, climate change, and deep social inequality shape today’s world. These forces do not respect national borders. They affect health outcomes in communities everywhere.
Therefore, addressing them requires a collective, cross-border response. The congress challenges health professionals to think beyond their own systems. It encourages collaborative action that is fair, inclusive, and built to last.
Sustainability, in particular, is a thread that runs through the entire program. Health systems must be designed not just for today, but for the generations that follow.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The scientific program at WCPH 2026 is broad and deeply relevant. It covers a wide range of pressing issues. Here is an overview of the main topic areas:
- Health equity, gender justice, and social determinants of health
- Climate change and its impact on environmental health
- Mental health and well-being across communities
- Decolonisation of public health research and practice
- Health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income settings
- Vaccine confidence and pandemic preparedness
- Public health ethics, law, and governance
- Non-communicable disease prevention and control
- Infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response
- Digital health tools and data-driven public health strategies
Each of these areas reflects real challenges that communities face right now. Additionally, many sessions will focus on practical solutions. Attendees will not just hear about problems. They will apply evidence-based approaches and innovations in their own contexts.
What the Program Looks Like
The congress runs over four days, from September 6 to 9, 2026. The program is designed to give attendees a variety of ways to engage.
Plenary sessions will feature high-level speakers addressing the congress as a whole. These sessions set the tone and highlight the most urgent global priorities. They are a chance to hear from leading minds in public health on the issues that matter most.
Beyond plenaries, the program includes oral presentations, where researchers share their findings directly. Poster sessions offer another format for presenting research in an interactive setting. Workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities for smaller groups.
Furthermore, roundtable discussions and side events allow for deeper dialogue on specific topics. Networking opportunities and exhibitions are also part of the schedule. These moments of informal exchange are often where the most valuable connections are made.
Pre-congress and post-congress events will be offered as well. These are ideal for attendees who want to dive deeper into particular subjects before or after the main program.
Speakers and Session Formats
WCPH 2026 will bring together a diverse group of voices from around the world. Organizers expect keynote speakers to include senior officials from international health organizations, leading academics, and prominent policy leaders.
Importantly, the organizers have made a conscious effort to ensure African representation at the highest levels of the program. This means attendees can expect perspectives from health leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa, East Africa, and beyond.
Sessions are organized across multiple scientific tracks. Each track covers a specific area of public health. Researchers and practitioners can submit abstracts for oral or poster presentation. A group of speakers also presents organized session proposals around a unified theme.
All accepted abstracts will be published in the WCPH 2026 Abstract Book within the Population Medicine Journal. This ensures the research shared at the congress reaches a wider academic audience even after the event concludes.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for anyone working in or around public health. However, you do not need to be a senior researcher to benefit.
The congress welcomes professionals at all stages of their careers. Early-career researchers can present their work and build international networks. Policymakers can engage with the latest evidence to inform decisions. Advocates can connect with global allies working on shared causes.
Representatives from health ministries, NGOs, international organizations, and academic institutions are all expected to attend. Private sector entities involved in health innovation are also part of the mix. The diversity of attendees is one of the congress’s greatest strengths.
Registration and Abstract Submission
Registration for WCPH 2026 is available online through the official congress website at wcph.org. Group registration options are available for teams from academic institutions and public health organizations.
Abstract submissions opened on September 1, 2025. The deadline for submissions was January 31, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted. However, if you submitted before the deadline, you should have received an email notification about the outcome.
For those planning to attend without presenting, registration remains open. Experts generally recommend early registration to secure the best rates and guarantee your place at a high-demand event.
Travel, Accommodation, and Visa Information
Cape Town is well connected to major international airports. Direct flights are available from many European, Asian, and North American cities. Attendees from other parts of Africa can also reach Cape Town with relative ease through regional connections.
A range of hotels at different price points are available near the CTICC. The congress website provides guidance on recommended accommodations and how to book them. Additionally, information about visa requirements for South Africa is available through the official congress site.
Attendees are advised to begin travel planning early. Cape Town is a popular destination, and accommodation can book up quickly during large international events.
Travel Grants and Support Programs
Not everyone has equal access to the resources needed to attend an international congress. The organizers are aware of this reality. Therefore, travel grant opportunities are available for eligible applicants.
A mentorship program is also part of the WCPH 2026 offering. This program supports early-career professionals and researchers from low- and middle-income countries. The program connects them with experienced mentors who can guide their participation and professional development.
These initiatives reflect the congress’s commitment to inclusion. It is not enough to talk about equity in health. The event itself must model equitable access and opportunity.
Why WCPH 2026 Matters Right Now
The timing of this congress is significant. The world is still processing the lessons of recent pandemics. Climate-related health crises are becoming more frequent. Mental health needs are rising sharply across all age groups.
At the same time, digital tools are opening new possibilities for disease surveillance and health communication. There is growing momentum around the decolonisation of global health research. African-led health initiatives are gaining greater recognition on the world stage.
WCPH 2026 arrives at exactly the right moment. It provides a platform to examine all of these trends together. The goal is not just to exchange knowledge. It is to build the kind of global consensus and collaboration that drives real change.
Conclusion
The 18th World Congress on Public Health 2026 is a landmark event in every sense. It takes place in Cape Town from September 6 to 9, 2026, under the theme “Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.” For the first time, Southern Africa hosts this premier global forum, creating a powerful space for African voices to lead and contribute.
The program covers urgent topics including climate and health, mental well-being, pandemic preparedness, digital health, and health equity. Over 2,000 delegates from around the world will gather to share research, exchange ideas, and forge solutions.
Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, advocate, or healthcare professional, WCPH 2026 offers something valuable. It is a chance to connect with a global community working toward a healthier, more equitable world. Plan early, register online, and make the most of what promises to be an unforgettable congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the World Congress on Public Health 2026 taking place?
WCPH 2026 will be held from September 6 to 9, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Who organizes the World Congress on Public Health?
The congress is organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) in collaboration with the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA).
What is the theme of WCPH 2026?
The theme is “Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability.” It focuses on building fair, inclusive, and lasting solutions to global health challenges.
How can I register to attend WCPH 2026?
You can register online through the official website at wcph.org. Group registration discounts are available for academic teams and health institutions.
Are travel grants available for attendees from low-income countries?
Yes. Travel grant opportunities and a mentorship program are available for eligible participants, particularly early-career professionals and researchers from low- and middle-income countries. Details are on the official congress website.
