Gaborone, Botswana – The 4th Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) International Delegates Conference took place from August 26-29, 2024, at the Tlotlo Hotel and Conference Centre, drawing healthcare professionals and leaders from over 26 countries. The event, themed “Universalizing the Practice of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates – A Synergizer for Global Health Excellence,” focused on advancing the global recognition and role of Clinical Officers (COs) and Physician Associates (PAs) in healthcare systems worldwide. The Chief Guest was Botswana’s Parliament Deputy Speaker The Rt Hon Pono Moatlhodi
A Global Call for Collaboration
Opening the conference, GACOPA President Austin Oduor Otieno delivered a powerful keynote, highlighting the growing influence of COs and PAs in addressing healthcare challenges. “Our professions are the backbone of many health systems, yet we often lack the recognition we deserve. This conference is a testament to our commitment to changing that,” Otieno stated.
Dr. Juliet Batiringaya, WHO Country Representative, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of COs and PAs in achieving universal health coverage (UHC). “Your work is essential and transformative, especially in regions facing severe healthcare shortages,” she remarked during her keynote(
Uniting Healthcare Through Cultural Exchange
In a display of unity and diversity, the conference featured a vibrant cultural performance that showcased Botswana’s rich heritage. The cultural presentation not only entertained delegates but also emphasized the conference’s theme of collaboration and shared global health goals
Key Discussions and Panels
The conference’s agenda included several critical panel discussions, notably the Global Synergy Summit, where healthcare leaders from various associations worldwide shared strategies for enhancing the roles of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates. Moderated by Peterson Wachira, Chair of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, the summit focused on incorporating more associations into GACOPA’s leadership and explored resource mobilization strategies to support future initiatives
Another highlight was the Legislative Health Leadership Forum, chaired by Kenya’s Chair of Health National Assembly, Hon Dr Robert Pukose. This forum brought together policymakers and health professionals to discuss the importance of legislative support in advancing healthcare delivery and promoting the recognition of COs and PAs across various regions
Recognition and Awards
The conference concluded with a prestigious awards ceremony during the gala dinner, celebrating excellence in clinical practice. Four major awards were presented, including the Outstanding Clinical Practitioner of the Year and the GACOPA President’s Award, honoring individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to the advancement of COs and PAs, there was also the best abstract award and the Clinical Practioner of year in excellence and leadership
Looking Ahead
As the conference drew to a close, it was announced that the 5th GACOPA International Delegates Conference would be held at Aston University in the UK in 2025, further strengthening the global network of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates. In addition, the 6th conference is scheduled to take place in India, there will be the inaugural African Leadership Forum for Clinical practitioners in Abuja, Nigeria,
The 4th GACOPA International Conference not only advanced the recognition of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates globally but also reinforced the profession’s critical role in achieving healthcare excellence.
