I would have loved to be present at the 232nd World Medical Association (WMA) Council Session in Belgrade, if only to personally say a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Otmar Kloiber. Though I was not there in person, I was ably represented—and my gratitude remains no less profound.
Dr. Otmar Kloiber retires as Secretary General of the WMA having left an indelible mark on global medicine. For Africa, his legacy is particularly profound.
When I joined the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) National Executive Committee in 2014, Africa’s representation at the WMA was still limited. Otmar played a pivotal role in changing this. Under his leadership, several African National Medical Associations—including those of Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia—were admitted into the WMA, significantly strengthening the continent’s voice in global health discourse.
Beyond admission, Otmar actively nurtured leadership. In 2017, he facilitated the “Caring Physicians of the World Leadership Training” at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. It was a short but intensive programme that brought together leaders from across the globe. From Kenya, Dr. Jackie Kitulu, then Chairperson of KMA, and I as National Treasurer, had the privilege of participating. The training not only sharpened our leadership skills but also forged enduring global networks that we cherish to this day. Otmar was at the very heart of this initiative.
He further encouraged African NMAs to work collectively. This vision led to the formation of the Coalition of African National Medical Associations (CANMA) in 2017, with leaders such as Dr. Jackie Kitulu and Dr. Osahon Enabulele playing key roles. Through CANMA, Africa began to present unified policy positions at the WMA—an important milestone in continental advocacy.
Otmar’s support extended to amplifying Africa’s global presence. In 2018, he backed Dr. Kitulu’s proposal for Nairobi to host a WMA Council Session. That same year, he joined us in Mombasa for the #KMAat50 celebrations—moments we fondly remember.
In preparation for hosting WMA Nairobi, his team welcomed then KMA Secretary General Marion Diana to France in 2022 for capacity-building. The lessons gained were instrumental in delivering a successful meeting in April 2023, when Nairobi hosted the WMA Council Session. Delegates from across the world left deeply impressed—not just by the organization, but by Kenya itself, from the Nairobi National Park to the hospitality at Ole Sereni.
The momentum continued. In October 2023, we gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, for the WMA General Assembly, and in 2024, in Helsinki, KMA secured the WMA Presidency for 2025–2026. Throughout this journey, Otmar has been a steady pillar of support—not least to Liz Gitau Maina in her role supporting Dr. Jackie Kitulu during this demanding presidency.
His mentorship has also profoundly impacted the next generation. Through his support of the Junior Doctors Network, many Kenyan young doctors—Lyndah Kemunto, Marie-Claire Wangari, Brenda Nyariaro, and now Kevin Bartay—have benefited from his guidance and encouragement.
As aptly summarized by CANMA’s interim President, Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa, Africa remains deeply grateful. CANMA looks forward to welcoming Otmar for his “last dance” at the leadership training he has so generously supported, later this year in Livingstone, Zambia.
Otmar is a fine gentleman, an exceptional physician, and a living encyclopedia of medical ethics—truly embodying the spirit of the World Medical Association.
On my own behalf, and on behalf of KMA and CANMA, I send Dr. Otmar Kloiber African roses, with our deepest gratitude. May the good Lord continue to grant him good health and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Asante sana, Otmar.