WACEM2026 Excels in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The World Academic Congress of Emergency Medicine (WACEM) 2026 concluded successfully in Addis Ababa, bringing together emergency medicine professionals, educators, researchers, policymakers, nurses, paramedics, healthcare administrators, and global health leaders from around the world. Held in the diplomatic capital of Africa, the congress served as a dynamic platform for scientific exchange, professional development, and international collaboration dedicated to advancing emergency and acute care.

Under the theme ” Building Resilient Emergency Care Systems: from the scene to the cloud, for every community”, WACEM 2026 featured a comprehensive scientific program that addressed the evolving challenges and opportunities in emergency medicine worldwide. Delegates from numerous countries participated in keynote lectures, expert panel discussions, workshops, research presentations, and networking sessions focused on strengthening emergency care systems and improving patient outcomes.

The congress highlighted critical areas including trauma care, critical care medicine, disaster preparedness, prehospital emergency medical services, emergency department operations, digital health technologies, simulation-based education, and workforce development. Leading experts and researchers shared innovative solutions and evidence-based strategies to enhance healthcare resilience and emergency response capabilities across diverse healthcare settings.

A major highlight of WACEM 2026 was the keynote address delivered by Olympic Gold Medalist and globally renowned athlete Mr. Haile Gebrselassie, often referred to as the Pride of Africa. In his inspiring oration titled “Resilience in Acute Health Conditions,” Gebrselassie reflected on lessons from his remarkable career, which includes two Olympic Gold Medals, four World Championships, and 27 world records, drawing parallels between athletic excellence, resilience, and healthcare leadership.

The congress also emphasized the rapid development of emergency medicine across Africa. Dedicated sessions showcased successful regional initiatives, innovative educational programs, and healthcare reforms that are expanding access to emergency services throughout the continent. These discussions fostered meaningful partnerships between African institutions and international organizations, opening new pathways for collaborative research, education, and capacity building.

Hands-on workshops and simulation-based training sessions attracted strong participation, providing practical instruction in airway management, trauma resuscitation, point-of-care ultrasound, disaster response, and life-saving emergency procedures. These educational activities reinforced WACEM’s commitment to combining scientific excellence with practical clinical skills development.

The scientific program featured numerous oral and poster presentations illustrating the breadth and quality of current emergency medicine research. Investigators presented findings related to clinical care, public health, emergency systems design, medical education, and quality improvement. Awards were presented to recognize outstanding contributions to research, innovation, and academic excellence in emergency medicine.

Beyond the scientific sessions, delegates experienced Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality through cultural programs and networking events. These activities strengthened international professional relationships and encouraged meaningful cross-cultural collaboration among participants.

WACEM 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening emergency care systems worldwide through education, research, advocacy, and international cooperation. The congress celebrated significant achievements in emergency medicine while identifying future priorities aimed at improving healthcare preparedness and patient outcomes globally.

The successful hosting of WACEM 2026 in Addis Ababa marks a historic milestone for emergency medicine in Africa and underscores the continent’s growing leadership in global health innovation. Participants departed with enhanced knowledge, expanded professional networks, and a shared vision of advancing high-quality emergency care for all communities.

The leadership of Dr. Woldesenbet Waganew, Secretary General of WACEM 2026, was widely recognized as instrumental in the successful organization and execution of the congress.

WACEM 2026 received strong support from the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Ethiopian Society of Emergency and Critical Care Professionals (ESEP), whose operational leadership was vital to the event’s success. Addis Ababa University provided the academic foundation that significantly contributed to the congress’s achievements.

Looking ahead, the organizers announced that WACEM 2027 will be held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Prabath Nanayakkara, continuing the congress’s mission of promoting excellence and collaboration in emergency medicine worldwide.

Key Outcomes of WACEM 2026

Strengthened international collaboration among emergency medicine professionals, institutions, and organizations.
Showcased innovative research, emerging technologies, and best practices in emergency and acute care.
Highlighted significant advances in African emergency medicine education, training, and system development.
Expanded opportunities for academic partnerships and multicenter research initiatives.
Promoted global dialogue on health resilience, disaster preparedness, and equitable access to emergency care.
Reinforced the importance of workforce development, professional education, and lifelong learning in emergency medicine.

Conclusion

WACEM 2026 leaves a lasting legacy of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to improving emergency care worldwide. The congress demonstrated the power of global partnerships in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges and advancing emergency medicine for the benefit of patients and communities across the world.

For Immediate Release
World Academic Congress of Emergency Medicine (WACEM)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2026

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About WACEM

The World Academic Council for Emergency Medicine (WACEM) is a global, non-political, and entirely academic organization dedicated to advancing the science, education, research, and practice of emergency patient care. Established in 2015 and formally constituted in 2017, WACEM was founded by distinguished academic leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Japan, united by a shared vision of strengthening emergency and acute care worldwide.

Through its international network of academicians, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and professional societies, WACEM promotes excellence in clinical practice, scientific research, innovation, and workforce development. The organization serves as a collaborative platform for advancing evidence-based emergency care across disciplines, including emergency medicine, trauma, critical care, cardiology, neurosciences, pediatrics, orthopedics, and acute care surgery.

The annual World Academic Congress of Emergency Medicine (WACEM Congress) is the Council’s premier global scientific event, bringing together leaders and practitioners from around the world to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and shape the future of emergency and acute care. For more information, visit: www.wacem.org

About ESEP

The Ethiopian Society of Emergency and Critical Care Professionals (ESEP) is Ethiopia’s leading professional organization dedicated to the advancement of emergency medicine, critical care, and acute healthcare services. As a national association committed to excellence in patient care, education, research, and advocacy, ESEP plays a pivotal role in strengthening emergency and critical care systems across Ethiopia.

ESEP brings together physicians, nurses, paramedics, educators, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals to promote professional development, evidence-based practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Through training initiatives, academic programs, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships, ESEP works to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of emergency and critical care services throughout the country.

As a key driver of healthcare innovation and capacity building, ESEP continues to support the development of a skilled workforce and resilient health systems capable of meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the Ethiopian population. For more information, visit: https://esep.org.et/