IFMSA is a non-partisan and not-for-profit organization recognized as one of the oldest and largest student-run organizations in the world. IFMSA was established in 1951 after the end of World War II to serve as a platform for unity, collaboration and peace among medical students. IFMSA currently has a broad representation of 141 member organizations from 130 countries across the world and works in close relation with several non-governmental organizations globally. IFMSA holds biannual meetings – General Assemblies – one in March and one in August as well as regional meetings across its 5 regions. IFMSA focuses its work in six areas which are Medical Education, Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS, Human Rights and Peace, Professional Exchange, and Research Exchange. Through these standing committees, IFMSA builds capacity and conducts advocacy on local, national and international levels. IFMSA has a special consultative status within the United Nations ECOSOC and has been recognized on several occasions as the voice of medical students by the World Health Organization (WHO). Most notably, IFMSA is invited to participate in the World Health Assembly, organized by the WHO, to represent the views of future physicians when it comes to international health concerns.
