Experience WCPH 2026 Beyond the Scientific Program
The 18th World Congress on Public Health is not only a place to exchange knowledge and shape the future of public health. It is also an opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world, build new connections, and experience the warmth, diversity, culture, and flavors of South Africa.
Throughout the Congress, delegates will have several opportunities to come together in a more informal setting—from the Welcome Refreshments and official ceremonies to the Congress Dinner. South African culture, hospitality, music, and cuisine will also be woven throughout the Congress, offering participants a taste of the country and making the Cape Town experience a memorable part of WCPH 2026.
Opening Ceremony
Sunday, September 6 | 2:00 PM
The official Opening Ceremony will welcome delegates to Cape Town and mark the beginning of four days of global dialogue, collaboration, and exchange.
The ceremony will feature distinguished leaders in global and African public health, including:
- Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
- Ms. Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness, South Africa
- Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health of South Africa
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (video)
The Opening Ceremony will set the stage for the Congress and its focus on equity, inclusion, sustainability, and the future of public health in Africa and around the world.
Welcome Refreshments
Sunday, September 6 | 7:00 PM
After the first day of the Congress, all registered delegates are invited to join the Welcome Reception.
Open to all Congress participants, this informal gathering will be an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new people, and enjoy the atmosphere of Cape Town. Join us for refreshments, conversation, and a first taste of South African hospitality as we celebrate the start of WCPH 2026 together.
Congress Dinner
Tuesday, September 8
The WCPH 2026 Congress Dinner will bring delegates together for a special evening celebrating the international public health community and our host country, South Africa.
Guests can look forward to an evening inspired by the country's rich cultural and culinary traditions, with South African flavors, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
The Congress Dinner is an optional paid event and is open only to delegates who have registered and purchased the dinner ticket. Please contact wcph2026@guarant.cz If you would like to purchase a dinner ticket. Places are limited
Closing Ceremony
Wednesday, September 9 | 12:15 PM
The Closing Ceremony will bring WCPH 2026 to an end by reflecting on the conversations, ideas, and commitments that have emerged during the Congress and looking ahead to the next chapter of the global public health community.
Speakers will include:
- Mr. Lance Louskieter, Tekano Health Equity South Africa and Division of Health Policy and Systems, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town
- Dr. Nand A. Marshall, President, American Public Health Association; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University
- Ms. Federica Castellana, MPH, MSc, Programme Coordinator Africa, Italian Red Cross; Secretary, Young WFPHA
The ceremony will also include the official presentation of the 19th World Congress on Public Health, to be held in New Zealand in 2028, providing a first glimpse of where the global public health community will gather next.
A Taste of South Africa Throughout the Congress
South Africa will be present throughout WCPH 2026—not only as our host country, but as an integral part of the Congress experience. Delegates can expect opportunities to discover its distinctive flavors, music, culture, and hospitality alongside the scientific and professional program.
We look forward to welcoming the global public health community to Cape Town and to sharing an unforgettable Congress together.