The Coalition of African National Medical Associations (CANMA) yesterday afternoon formalized its existence after a ten year journey. The CANMA dream started in 2016 with efforts by leaders interacting at the World Medical Association activities and noting that the African voice was scattered and quiet. Operationalization of CANMA was one of the goals of the current WMA President Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, From 2016 going forwards the Africa national medical association teams were actively activating and reactivating the Coalition. Drs Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, Simon Kigondu, Lyndah Kemunto, Ekwaro Obuku, Mvuyisi Mzukwa and others pushed the initial lids.
In Helsinki Finland on the sidelines of the WMA an interim team of Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana and Zambia Medical associations was tasked with operationalizing elections for CANMA. I chaired the committee. The Electrol structures were put in place.
In Porto again on the sidelines of the WMA meeting an interim CANMA Board was set up with Dr Mvuyisi of SAMA as Chair, Dr Kigondu of KMA as Secretary and Kaumba Roy Tolopu of Zambia as Treasurer.
Yesterday, at the The South African Medical Association (SAMA) Summit, a team was formally elected to continue the efforts to unite the African voice.
President – SAMA – Mvuyisi Mzukwa
Secretary – ZMA – Masiku Phiri
Treasurer – UMA – Frank Asiimwe
Vice President East – Kenya Medical Association Dr. Ibrahim Matende
Vice President South – Namibia Medical Society – Dr Ruben Kanime
Vice President West – To be elected
Vice President North – To be elected.
The Secretariat will be housed at SAMA.
The future is CANMA.