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The much-anticipated 5th International Scientific and Delegates Conference of the Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) enters its final countdown this week in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Hosted at Aston University from 27th – 30th August 2025, the four-day gathering is set to bring together delegates from over 20 countries, uniting policymakers, clinicians, regulators, educators, and students under the theme:

“One Vision, One Cadre: Standardizing Clinical Officers and Physician Associates for Universal Health Coverage.”

This year’s conference will feature strong delegations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America — with representation from Ghana, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Malaysia, India, Zimbabwe, Canada, the United States, and the UK.

The programme opens with student-led research presentations, followed by a series of high-level sessions including:

The Legislative Health Assembly 🏛️ – a unique forum bringing together lawmakers and policymakers from multiple countries to discuss workforce regulation and government-to-government health agreements.

Keynote Address by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) – Ms. Una Lane, Director of Registration and Revalidation, will speak on the GMC’s “Road to Regulation”, with Zambia and Malaysia expected to follow the UK in securing cadre inclusion.

Under the Global Research & Innovation there will be cutting-edge presentations on digital health, accreditation, universal health coverage, public health emergencies, and workforce development.

Workshops & Networking set to take centre stage as practical sessions on airway management, clinical education, and healthcare digitalization, alongside opportunities to network with global peers.

The Gala Dinner – a cultural and celebratory climax on August 30th, with delegates donning national dress to showcase global diversity and solidarity.

“This is more than a conference — it is a turning point for our profession’s global recognition,” said Austin Oduor Otieno, President of GACOPA. “For the first time, Clinical Officers and Physician Associates from every continent will speak with one voice: One Vision, One Cadre.”

Aston University, a hub of innovation in medical education, provides the perfect backdrop for this landmark event. The conference will not only highlight the strides made in professional recognition but also set the agenda for future collaborations — from harmonizing training standards to creating pathways for international workforce mobility.

With momentum building and expectations running high, the 5th GACOPA Conference is set to be a milestone in advancing universal health coverage through the strengthening of the Clinical Officer/Physician Associate cadre worldwide.

Follow the journey here and join the conversation online with #GACOPA2025 #OneCadreOneVoice.

Addis Ababa | July 31, 2025

This week, GACOPA reached a pivotal milestone in its journey to strengthen and unify Africa’s clinical health workforce. At the heart of Africa’s public health nerve center — the Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa — a high-level GACOPA delegation sat down for a deeply meaningful and strategic discussion with Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Deputy Director General of Africa CDC.

This was not just a meeting. It was the beginning of a new chapter.

A Powerful Delegation, A Common Purpose Led by GACOPA President, Austin Oduor Otieno, the delegation brought together leading voices from across the continent — a united front representing the thousands of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates working at the very foundation of Africa’s health systems.

Among the delegation were:

Ibrahim Wako – Registrar and CEO, Clinical Officers Council of Kenya

Dr. Hashim Osman Warfa – WHO–Africa CDC Liaison Officer

Peterson Wachira – National Chair, KUCO

George Gibore – General Secretary, KUCO

Moses Matole (President, KCOA) and Neba Jones (President, COAZ) representing Zambia

Musonda Kamfwa – Secretary General, COAZ

Dr. Serkelem Girma and Fitsum Taye – Presidents of the Ethiopian Clinical Health Officers Associations

Together, they spoke as one voice — a voice for over 300,000 frontline clinical professionals serving communities in more than 20 African Union Member States.

Dialogue That Moved Beyond Words As the doors to the Africa CDC boardroom closed behind them, a focused and energizing conversation began. At its heart was a single question:

How can we work together — not just to recognize, but to empower Africa’s frontline clinical workforce?

Dr. Raji Tajudeen welcomed the team with warmth and openness. What followed was a constructive exchange rooted in shared vision. Everyone at the table understood that Africa cannot achieve Universal Health Coverage or build health emergency resilience without equipping and uplifting its frontline health professionals — especially Clinical Officers and Physician Associates.

And from that shared understanding, action emerged.

Agreement Reached: A Joint Technical Working Team By the close of the meeting, a significant milestone was reached: GACOPA and Africa CDC agreed to establish a Joint Technical Working Team (JTWT) composed of 7 members from GACOPA and 5 from Africa CDC.

This team will immediately begin shaping the modalities of a long-term partnership — one built on cooperation, innovation, and mutual respect.

The agreed focus areas include:

Capacity Building – Jointly developed training programs in surveillance, emergency response, AMR, and digital health

Endorsement & Visibility – Africa CDC support for GACOPA-led certifications and professional development programs

Policy Inclusion – GACOPA representation in Africa CDC workforce development consultations

Workforce Mapping – Collaborating on a digital registry of clinical officers across AU states via NPHI platforms

“This is a partnership of action,” said Dr. Otieno. “We are not just advocating for recognition — we are building a structure for Clinical Officers to thrive, grow, and lead.”

More Than Symbolism — A Turning Point The meeting marks GACOPA’s elevation to a recognized continental stakeholder in health workforce development — a goal that has taken years of grassroots building, advocacy, and solidarity across borders.

It also affirms Africa CDC’s commitment to a New Public Health Order — one that is inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered.

Plans are already underway for Africa CDC participation in upcoming GACOPA events, including the:

Southern Africa Conference – Lusaka, Zambia (October 2025)

Eastern Africa Conference – Bujumbura, Burundi (March 2026)

These forums will offer more than speeches — they will serve as platforms for co-creation, training, and real-time leadership.

Looking Forward: With You, For You As members and allies of GACOPA, this moment belongs to all of us. It is a reminder that collective voice, consistent engagement, and unified vision can open even the largest doors.

The road ahead will involve deeper collaboration, technical input, and your continued support. The Joint Team will begin work right away, and we will be calling on members from across the continent to help shape the programs, contribute expertise, and represent our shared mission.

Together, we are not just part of the health system — we are shaping its future.

In a landmark move, the Parliament of Kenya has formally adopted the report of the 4th Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) International Delegates Conference held in Gaborone, Botswana from August 26 to 29, 2024.

The adoption was led by the Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Dr. James Nyikal, MP. The report recognizes the pivotal role of clinical officers and physician associates in driving primary healthcare and advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

During the conference, Kenyan delegates showcased the country’s progress in regulating the cadre, including the establishment of a career progression guideline and advanced training frameworks. The report underscores the need to harmonize training curricula, scopes of practice, and global recognition of the cadre’s contributions to health systems.

The Committee recommended policy actions to strengthen skills-based training, support specialist education, improve data systems for health workforce planning, and enhance collaboration with universities on research translation.

They also emphasized the need for Kenya to contribute to global harmonization efforts around clinical officers and PAs.

This adoption positions Kenya as a leading voice in the global discourse on health workforce transformation and solidifies its commitment to empowering frontline health professionals.

The team will attend the 5th GACOPA international delegates conference where the Legislative Health Forum will form the highlight of the 4 day event at the Aston University in Birmingham, UK on August 27-30

The 9th National Conference of Medical Assistants (NCMA 2025) was successfully held from 3rd to 6th July 2025 at the Oriental Crystal Hotel in Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. Organized by the Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants (MAMA), the landmark event brought together over 300 participants from across the country, including healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and medical assistants.

Held under the transformative theme, “Digital Revolution: The Evolution of the Smart Medical Assistant,” NCMA 2025 offered a forward-looking platform to explore how digital innovation is redefining the roles, responsibilities, and education of medical assistants in Malaysia and beyond.

The four-day event featured a series of high-impact plenary sessions, expert forums, practical workshops, and a remarkable townhall engagement with Malaysia’s Minister of Health and the Director-General of Health. These sessions sparked critical conversations on the integration of digital tools in healthcare, professional autonomy, the future of medical assistant training, and the expanding scope of the profession in a tech-driven health system.

Throughout the conference, delegates engaged with emerging topics such as:

Smart technologies and AI in clinical care

Digital professionalism and ethical frameworks

Reforms in medical assistant education and regulation

Strengthening leadership and visibility of medical assistants in national health policy

Although GACOPA could not be physically represented at this year’s event, President Austin Oduor Otieno issued a formal statement celebrating the milestone. He commended MAMA’s bold vision and acknowledged the association’s pivotal role in shaping regional and global discourse on mid-level healthcare cadres.

“This conference exemplifies the kind of leadership and innovation we need across the globe,” said Dr. Otieno. “MAMA’s efforts continue to inspire the profession and push the boundaries of what is possible in modern healthcare delivery.”

The conference officially concluded on 6th July 2025, followed by MAMA’s Biennial Delegates Meeting, marking a successful week of engagement, renewal, and professional advancement.

As GACOPA continues to promote international standards, collaboration, and innovation across Clinical Officers, Physician Associates, Medical Assistants, and Analogues, the success of NCMA 2025 stands as a shining example of what focused, future-ready leadership can achieve.

GACOPA congratulates the Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants and looks forward to even stronger collaborations ahead.

In a powerful convergence of healthcare and leadership, the Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) completed a historic four-day official mission to Malawi, culminating in a landmark meeting with the country’s Vice President, Rt. Hon. Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi, at Capital Hill, Lilongwe.

What made the encounter extraordinary was not just the presence of a national leader, but the symbolic full-circle moment — Dr. Usi himself is a Clinical Officer who rose through the ranks to become the second-highest office holder in the nation.

In an emotionally charged ceremony, GACOPA presented the Vice President with a Citation of Honour, recognizing his unprecedented journey from frontline clinical care to the pinnacle of political leadership. The award is the highest ever issued by GACOPA and celebrates Dr. Usi as a living embodiment of the cadre’s potential on a global scale.

“The Rt Honourable story is not just inspiring — it is transformative. It shows what is possible when skill, purpose, and public service meet,” said Austin Oduor Otieno, President of GACOPA.

A Four-Day Journey of Purpose Day One: Arrival and Strategic Briefings The GACOPA delegation was received in Lilongwe by key stakeholders from Malawi’s Ministry of Health, the Malawi Medical and Dental Council, PAUM leaders led by Solomon Chomba. Initial meetings focused on workforce development, cross-border collaboration, and aligning professional standards with global best practices.

Day Two: Visiting the Roots – Training Institutions The team toured key academic institutions, including Malawi College of Health Sciences , engaging with faculty, students, and administrators. GACOPA pledged to support regional harmonization of training and expand learning exchanges across Africa and beyond.

Day Three: Witnessing the Frontlines at the Kamuzu Central hospital offered a glimpse into the dedication of Clinical Officers providing essential care under challenging conditions. These visits reinforced the cadre’s role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and equity in healthcare access.

Day Four: The High Point – Capital Hill Reception The climax of the visit took place at Capital Hill, where GACOPA met the Vice President. The Citation of Honour ceremony was both dignified and symbolic — celebrating a Clinical Officer who shattered ceilings to become a national icon. In his remarks, Dr. Usi lauded the association’s vision and pledged continued support for professional upliftment and continental integration.

More Than a Visit — A Movement This was not just a diplomatic mission — it was a reaffirmation of GACOPA’s mantra: One Cadre, One Voice. The Malawi visit stands as a blueprint for advocacy, recognition, and unity among mid-level health professionals globally.

“This moment belongs to every Clinical Officer, Physician Associate, and medical analogue who dares to dream. We have seen the peak — and it wears our badge,” concluded Mr. Otieno.

Join us in Lilongwe, Malawi, as we celebrate one of our own who has risen from the clinical frontline to the second-highest office in the Republic.

The Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) is proud to announce an extraordinary event on Thursday 26th June, 2025 honoring the Vice President of Malawi, Rt. Hon. Dr. Michael Usi, the highest-ranking Clinical Officer in global history. This momentous occasion is a testament to the profession’s potential and dedication to improving healthcare worldwide.

“This is a defining moment for the Clinical Officer and Physician Associate profession — across Africa and the world,” said [GACOPA Representative’s Name, if available; otherwise, remove]. Dr. Michael Usi’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to Clinical Officers and Physician Associates everywhere, demonstrating the impact of hard work, determination, and passion for healthcare.

This event is a celebration of Dr. Usi’s achievements and a recognition of the vital role Clinical Officers and Physician Associates play in global healthcare. It will be a moment to reflect on the profession’s progress, challenges, and future opportunities.

Join Us
We invite all GACOPA members, healthcare professionals, and the public to join us in Lilongwe as we honor Dr. Michael Usi’s groundbreaking achievement. This event promises to be a historic and unforgettable experience, marking a significant milestone in the history of our profession.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 26th June 2025, and join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Together, let’s acknowledge the impact of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates on healthcare worldwide.

The 2nd East Africa Clinical Officers Conference, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was a significant event that brought together over 250 delegates, including 50 international participants, to discuss the evolving role of clinical officers and physician associates in healthcare. The presence of H.E. George M. Orina, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, underscored the regional importance of this professional group.

The President of GACOPA Mr. Austin Oduor Otieno was present to show his support for the event.

1. Significance of the Conference:

• Regional Collaboration: Organized by GACOPA East Africa and the Health Officers Association of Ethiopia, the conference served as a crucial platform for professionals from across the East African region and beyond to share knowledge, best practices, and collaborate on strategies to strengthen healthcare systems.
• Addressing Healthcare Gaps: In a region often grappling with complex health challenges, limited resources, and a growing disease burden, clinical officers and physician associates play an indispensable role. They are often the frontline providers, especially in underserved rural and urban areas where physicians may be scarce.
• Advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC): The conference likely focused on how clinical officers and physician associates contribute to achieving UHC, which aims to ensure that all people have access to the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. This would involve discussions on expanding access to care, improving quality, and integrating services.

2. The Evolving Role of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates:

• Historical Context: The role of clinical officers in East Africa has a long history, often tracing back to colonial-era initiatives to address healthcare needs with limited medical doctors. Over time, their training and scope of practice have evolved significantly.
• Expanded Scope of Practice: The modern clinical officer and physician associate are highly trained medical professionals. Their responsibilities have expanded beyond merely “assisting” physicians to include diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, performing procedures, and managing chronic diseases. In many settings, they work with a degree of autonomy, while still collaborating with physicians.
• Addressing Workforce Shortages: As physician shortages persist globally, and particularly in many parts of Africa, clinical officers and physician associates are increasingly vital in filling these gaps. They are instrumental in providing primary care, specialty care, and contributing to public health initiatives.
• Specialization and Advanced Training: Many clinical officers pursue higher diplomas and master’s degrees in various medical specialties, allowing them to provide specialized care in areas like pediatrics, orthopedics, and psychiatry. This further highlights their evolving professional trajectory.
• Integration of Technology: The conference likely explored how clinical officers and physician associates are leveraging digital technologies like telemedicine and health informatics to enhance care delivery, improve efficiency, and expand access, particularly in remote areas.
• Leadership and Advocacy: The conference would have provided a forum for these professionals to discuss their leadership roles in disease prevention, combating antimicrobial resistance, managing non-communicable diseases, and advocating for policies that support their crucial contributions to healthcare.
• Professional Recognition and Standardization: Organizations like GACOPA are actively working to standardize professional practice, enhance healthcare delivery, and promote global recognition and policy reforms for clinical practitioners to achieve UHC. The discussions at the conference would have contributed to these efforts.

3. Key Themes and Discussions (Inferred):

Based on the focus of the conference and the general trends in healthcare, the discussions included:

• Training and Education: Harmonizing training standards across East Africa, continuous professional development (CPD), and postgraduate training opportunities.
• Policy and Regulation: Advocating for supportive policies, legal frameworks, and regulatory environments that optimize the utilization of clinical officers and physician associates.
• Collaboration and Team-Based Care: Emphasizing the importance of interprofessional collaboration and how these professionals integrate effectively within the broader healthcare team.
• Innovations in Healthcare Delivery: Exploring new models of care delivery, particularly in primary healthcare and community health.
• Impact on Public Health: Highlighting the role of clinical officers and physician associates in public health programs, disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Addressing challenges such as resource limitations, brain drain, and ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare professionals, while identifying opportunities for growth and impact.

In conclusion, the 2nd East Africa Clinical Officers Conference was a vital gathering that underscored the growing importance and evolving responsibilities of clinical officers and physician associates in shaping the future of healthcare in East Africa and beyond, particularly in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.

We are pleased to acknowledge and commend the Clinical Officers Association of Zambia (COAZ) for its inspiring grassroots outreach, currently underway in the Northwestern Province.

Led by President Mr. Jones Neba and General Secretary Mr. Joseph Kamfwa, COAZ continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership by visiting district health offices, engaging key health officials, supporting members, and strengthening primary healthcare systems across Zambia. From Solwezi to Kasempa, Chavuma to Sesheke, and beyond—these engagements show a strong commitment to inclusion, professional development, and service delivery excellence.

A special highlight is the distribution of COAZ-branded professional coats—an initiative that not only fosters unity and pride among Clinical Officers, but also symbolizes the recognition each member deserves. The Association’s message is clear: *Every Clinical Officer counts. No one should be left behind.*

These efforts, aligned with both the COAZ Strategic Plan and the National Health Strategic Plan, reflect the spirit of collaboration with the Ministry of Health and an unwavering commitment to community-centered healthcare.

GACOPA celebrates this meaningful work and extends its applause to the entire COAZ leadership and membership. Such proactive engagement at the district level is a shining example of how professional associations can play a transformative role in health systems strengthening.

“One Cadre, One Voice” – The Global Unification of Clinical Officers, Physician Associates & Analogues Moves Forward

Birmingham/London, May 1, 2025 –
In a bold and strategic step toward uniting Clinical Officers, Physician Associates, and their analogues across the globe, GACOPA President Austin Oduor Otieno will this week embark on an official mission to the United Kingdom from May 4–12, 2025, as preparations intensify for the highly anticipated 5th GACOPA International Delegates and Scientific Conference.

The conference, which will be held at Aston University in Birmingham from August 27–30, 2025, is set to become the largest global gathering for the clinical practitioners professionals. The theme, “One Cadre, One Voice – Standardizing Clinical Officers and Physician Associates as a Global Cadre for Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” underscores a shared mission to harmonize training, recognition, and deployment of this essential workforce.

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Official UK Mission Itinerary

Mr. Otieno’s UK visit will include a series of high-level engagements with academic, conference hosts , and professional bodies central to the success of the upcoming conference:

• May 4: Departure to London
• May 5: Arrival and onward travel to Birmingham, with a key planning meeting alongside Prof. Phil Begg, Co-Chair of the GACOPA 2025 Conference
• May 6–7: Technical and logistical sessions at Aston University, including a comprehensive tour of the conference venue and hostels
• May 8 (Morning): Strategic meeting in Birmingham with:
  • Fitzpatrick Alice, Acting President, College of Medical Associates Professionals (CMAPs)
  • Steve Nash, General Secretary, United Medical Associates professionals (UMAPS)
  • M, Medical Associate Congress
    ➤ Mr. Otieno will then travel to London in the afternoon
• May 9–10: Participation in the Physician Assistant for Global Health Conference at St George’s University of London, where he will serve as a GACOPA representative and Honorary Board Member

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Concept Note Now Officially Released