WFDD during the COVID era
WORLD FAMILY Doctor’s Day (WFDD) is an annual event that was founded by WONCA in 2010. One of the main goals is to emphasise the critical role and contributions of family doctors in providing excellent continuing healthcare to people and their community. It also aims to promote and encourage continued academic pursuits and networking. In 2015, WFDD was first actively celebrated in Jamaica as a result of the collaborative efforts of physicians from the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP), the Association of General Practitioners of Jamaica, and the postgraduate programme of Family medicine at The University of the West Indies, Mona.
This year’s theme is ‘ Let’s walk together to combat chronic diseases in the COVID era’. The main elements of the celebration are enhancing public awareness by sharing information in the media; an academic conference, which will be held virtually; and giving back to the community by making donations to worthy causes. We invite you to join us in this charitable venture, our ‘Always There to Care; project. You may contact the CCFP office at telephone numbers 876-946-0954 or 876-5176636, to make arrangements for your contributions.
Family doctors are the backbone of any effective healthcare system. The family doctor provides comprehensive healthcare against the background of deep, long-term relationships with patients, their families and community. In collaboration with a variety of other specialties, the family doctor works to decrease the impact of chronic, non-communicable diseases globally. Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Let us continue to work together to strengthen the system, empower our patients, and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to all family doctors, and, indeed, all healthcare workers on this occasion of World Family Doctor’s Day. Thank you for the magnificent work you do every day, despite enormously challenging circumstances, in supporting the health and wellbeing of your patients, your community, your nation, and the world!