Dr. Parami Abeyrathna Selected as WONCA Young Family Doctors NCD Fellow
The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) has launched its inaugural Young Family Doctors NCD Fellowship, a 10‑month program designed to empower early‑career family doctors to lead in the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Among the seven fellows chosen worldwide is Dr. Parami Abeyrathna MBBS MPhil (Primary Care) from Sri Lanka. She currently serves as the F360 Coordinator of the Spice Route Young Doctors Movement in WONCA South Asia and as its National Secretary.
Her selection reflects a strong track record of research in primary care access, quality assessment, and tropical diseases, alongside her leadership in both university and community health initiatives.
Fellowship Highlights
- Fellows are paired with experienced mentors in family medicine.
- They will design locally grounded quality improvement projects.
- Monthly workshops and shared learning will connect them to a global primary care community.
Global Context
NCDs remain one of the greatest health challenges of our time, responsible for 41 million deaths annually according to the World Health Organization. Primary health care offers high‑impact interventions for early detection and treatment, making the role of young family doctors critical in shaping healthier futures.
First Cohort Fellows - Angie Marcela Echavarría Cadenaía — Argentina
- Ibrahim Banaru Abubakar Abubakar — Nigeria
- Jiun Hoong Ng — Malaysia
- Dr. Mohammed Dawoud — Kuwait
- Nilka Arosemena Sandoval — Panama
- Parami Abeyrathna — Sri Lanka
- Elif Sıdal Gültekin — Turkey
Supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca, this fellowship marks a significant step in strengthening global primary care leadership and ensuring equitable access to NCD prevention and treatment.
