Kenyan doctor Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu has been inaugurated as the new President of the World Medical Association (WMA), making a first for Kenya.
Speaking during her inauguration at the WMA General Assembly in Porto, Portugal, on October 10, Kitulu — a former President of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) — called on physicians worldwide to unite around three key priorities: fostering inter-regional collaboration, strengthening mentorship, and advancing global policy advocacy for primary healthcare.
Kitulu expressed deep gratitude for the honor, dedicating the moment to doctors across the world who continue to dedicate their skill, intellect, and compassion to improving human health.
Jacqueline Kitulu, an alumna of the University of Nairobi, holds a master’s in healthcare management.
She was born and raised in Nairobi, and she is the eldest among her six siblings.
Kitulu beat Prof. Caldas Alfonso of the Portuguese Medical Association in a hotly contested election held at the 75th WMA General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland.
Jacqueline Kitulu, a Kenyan Doctor Inaugurated President of WMA
In her address, she highlighted the urgent health challenges confronting the world today — including pandemics, non-communicable diseases, climate change, and the migration of healthcare workers — noting that these issues demand shared learning and collective advocacy among medical professionals.
Reflecting on her personal journey as one of the few women in her medical class and later the first female president of KMA, she stressed the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping her career.
Kitulu also pledged to promote structured mentorship, leadership training, and regional fellowships to inspire innovation and professional growth among young physicians.
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Global Concerns
Dr. Kitulu also addressed broader global concerns such as attacks on healthcare workers in conflict zones, ethical leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, and the health impacts of climate change.
She urged doctors to remain united in defending medical neutrality and humanitarian values.
“As physicians, our highest calling is to the art of medicine and the healing of those in need. It transcends politics and the divisions that polarize societies worldwide,” she said.
Concluding her speech, Dr. Kitulu called on physicians to strengthen collaborations, mentor the next generation, and advocate for primary healthcare as the foundation of equitable health systems.
“History will not judge us by the offices we held, but by the lives we touched and the systems we strengthened,” she said.
“Together, let us ensure that the World Medical Association remains a beacon of ethics, solidarity, and advocacy — serving humanity with integrity and hope.”
Outgoing WMA President Dr. Ashok Philip commended Dr. Kitulu’s appointment and called for continued defense of professional autonomy and evidence-based medical advocacy amid global health and ethical challenges.
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Career Background
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu has held several high-profile positions that have shaped her deep understanding of healthcare systems and policy.
She previously served as a panel physician for the United States Embassy in Kenya and as the National Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Women’s Association between 2008 and 2012, where she championed women’s leadership and mentorship in medicine.
Her strong commitment to humanitarian service was evident during her 12-year tenure with the Kenya Red Cross Society, where she served in key roles including Deputy Governor and member of the Finance Committee.
A seasoned health administrator, Dr. Kitulu also chaired the Finance Committee of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) from 2018 to 2021, guiding critical reforms in healthcare financing.
She has further served as a Director at Emergency Plus Medical Services (E-Plus), Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, and Health Advisory Panelist at Safaricom PLC, where she contributed her expertise in health systems strengthening and corporate governance.
Most recently, between January 2020 and January 2023, she served as Chair of the Committee at the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), providing regulatory oversight and professional guidance to Kenya’s medical practitioners.
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