The first conference of the African Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (AFRICTRIMS) recently ended in Accra.
The conference sought to break the silence surrounding Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Myasthenia Gravis and other autoimmune and neuroimmunological diseases in Africa by accelerating diagnosis and improving care through stronger collaboration among patients, clinicians and researchers across the continent.
It also aimed to build an African-led evidence based solutions for conditions that have long been underdiagnosed due to neurophobia and a shortage of specialists.
In addition, participants explored policy directions and advocacy strategies, including efforts to have autoimmune diseases covered under Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Participants included 130 patients and caregivers in the country for the Patient Day pre-conference seminar.
The main conference delegates were 300 clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals from across Africa and beyond.
Countries represented included Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Zambia, and delegates from Europe/US collaborating on African neuroimmunology research.
It was organised by AFRICTRIMS and hosted by Ghana, with members from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Neurology Unit, University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana College of Physicians & Surgeons, and patient advocacy groups taking part.
