South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP)

The SAAFP is the national association of family doctors, representing South Africa on the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA). The aim of the SAAFP is to develop the discipline and body of knowledge of family medicine through research, education and training, provide for the professional needs of its members such as continuing professional development, and to represent the opinion of the profession on national and international forums.

The SAAFP is a specialist sub-group affiliated to The South African Medical Association (SAMA), and its membership comes from all sectors; academic, private, public and NGO’s, including rural and urban practice.

The South African Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) was founded in 1980 and since then is dedicated to the furtherance of the discipline of family medicine at both an academic and a clinical level and is devoted to the welfare of its professional members.

Mission:
• Develop and promote the science and art of family medicine through education, training, research and the dissemination of knowledge.
• Represent and further the interests of Family Physicians in South Africa, Africa, and other international forums.
• Advocate for the strengthening of primary health care and district health services.
• Influence the relationship between Family Physicians and Health Facilities, Public and Private Institutions, Government Authorities, Health Care Funders, the Public and the Medical Profession in general.
• Serve as an organizational aid to promote the interests of its members; SAMA as a whole, and the medical profession, in pursuance of the objects of SAMA.
• Act independently in so far as their actions do not affect the general policy of SAMA.

Vision:
Promote optimal health for the people in Southern Africa through advocacy, support and the development of the primary health care team, and the establishment of an equitable, humane and integrated district health care system.