MDS African Section Nominees

To guide the MDS Africa Section (AS) to be a more significant representation within the MDS by increasing membership of African neuroscientists including basic scientists, clinical neurologists and allied health professionals through strategic engagements of professional bodies within the continent. 

This will involve particular focus on educational activities and advocacy in countries with limited or no representation and interventions to ensure engagement and retention of existing members. Secondly, to improve the quality and range of expertise of AS members pertinent to movement disorders skills, education and research relevant to Africa by identifying, engaging and supporting emerging Faculty with interest in neurology and movement disorders and encouraging sharing of ideas as well as supporting research collaborations. Thirdly, to promote movement disorders education and training in non-English speaking countries (francophone and lusophone countries) through intentional targeted programs utilizing existing MDS frameworks and resources and in collaboration with other MDS sections. Fourthly, to align the activities of the section with ongoing central MDS paradigms including patient engagement strategies and advocacy for equality of access to medicines for treatment of movement disorders.  As a neurologist trained and residing within Africa, I am dedicated to advancing neurological care and education specifically in respect to movement disorders within Africa, while also integrating international knowledge, international best practice and collaboration for the positive advancement of members of the AS and care  of Africans living with movement disorders.

Dr. Oluwadamilola ‘Lara’ Ojo is an Associate Professor at the University of Lagos and neurologist and movement disorder specialist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. A graduate of Medicine from the University of Ilorin, she trained in internal medicine and neurology under the auspices of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, with additional training in Movement Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, U.S.A. She has served as Director and faculty for several MDS educational programs within the African section and is the current treasurer-elect of the section. A graduate of the MDS LEAP program, she serves on various subcommittees, committees and working groups. She is co-investigator on the Nigeria Parkinson’s Disease (PD)Research Plus, the Transforming PD care in Africa as well as the Lagos Parkinson’s Progressions Markers Initiative’s site co-investigator and coordinator. She is a member of the International Parkinson’s Disease Genomics Consortium and the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program and her research interests include clinical profile/ phenotype and genetics of PD and atypical parkinsonisms, dystonia and neurodegenerative dementias in Nigerians and black Africans.

To guide the MDS Africa Section (AS) to be a more significant representation within the MDS by increasing membership of African neuroscientists including basic scientists, clinical neurologists and allied health professionals through strategic engagements of professional bodies within the continent. 

By collaborating with other local and international organizations, I aim to help disseminating knowledge about movement disorders in Africa among clinicians, scientists and the general public. My goal is also to promote an African regional and international network as a vehicle for clinical and research collaboration in the movement disorders field.

Dr Samia Ben Sassi is professor of neurology and head of neurology department  at the National Institute of neurology in Tunis. She completed her residency in neurology at the faculty of medicine of Tunis and had a fellowship in Neurophysiology at Lariboisière hospital in Paris. She is certified in epidemiology and in medical genetics and genomics.

Dr Ben Sassi has been involved in the study of  Parkinson’s diease funded by various international agencies such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation, with published findings in international journals. She is founder and president of the Tunisian Association of Neurology and Neurosciences. She has been a member of IBRO-MENA and IBRO-ARC executive committees, and is currently a GP2 member.

Presently, she is treasurer of  MDS-AS. She has been a member of the MDS-AS educational committee and is currently a member of the Dystonia Study Group Steering Committee and of the Publication Oversight Committee.

She served as director and faculty in several MDS-AS schools and courses held in english and french, and as faculty in international MDS congresses.

To contribute my experience and expertise in the teaching of movement disorders and Parkinson's disease, especially in French-speaking Africa where there is currently no specialist in this field. 

The aim is to give neurologists, general practitioners, nurses and other healthcare personnel in these countries the autonomy to deal with and provide first aid to these patients, and then follow them up or refer them if necessary to the appropriate place.

In addition, to contribute to ensuring quality care for populations affected by Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, but also to promote research in this field to help, if only a little, future generations.

Professor of Neurology at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar.

Head of Department of Neurology-Centre Hospitalier National de Pikine.

Specialist on Movement Disorders and Parkinson's Disease (earned his degree since 2018-2019 in Sorbone University-Hôpital Pitié Salpétrière).

One year fellowship in Movement Disorders Unit in Hôpital Timone Marseille 2018-2019.

Teaches post-doctoral courses on movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar for residents from more than 15 french-speaking african countries, including all of sub-Saharan africa and some maghreb countries.

Member of MDS-AS Executive Commettee (2021-2023 and 2023-2025).

Participated in numerous courses (in person or online) of the MDS-AS section as a faculty. 

Numerous publications, including some on Parkinson's disease, chorea (huntington's and acanthocytosis), ataxia, ...

As an advocate for advancing brain health in Africa, I am eager to serve as Treasurer for the MDS-AS leadership. My passion for improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders drives my commitment to this role.

I envision leveraging my financial acumen to ensure the efficient allocation of resources, fostering transparency and accountability within the organization. My primary goal is to expand Movement disorder training and education programs for healthcare professionals, equipping them with the latest knowledge and skills to provide better patient care. By establishing partnerships with international experts and institutions, I aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative research, ultimately enhancing the quality of care available to our patients in the continent. Furthermore, I am committed to increasing awareness and accessibility of treatment options for underserved communities. Through strategic financial planning and fundraising initiatives, I will work tirelessly to support initiatives that bring hope and improved quality of life to those affected by these debilitating conditions in Africa and beyond.

Dr. Yared Zewde received his medical degree from Jimma University in 2012 and later completed his neurology residency at Addis Ababa University. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Neurology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, and serves as the Consultant Neurology and Movement Disorder Clinic Director at Tikur Anbessa Teaching Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr. Zewde graduated from the MDS LEAP program in 2020 and has been actively engaged in numerous MDS activities. He has held leadership positions such as a member of the MDS-AS Executive Committee since 2021, and has contributed to the Curriculum Development Sub-Committee, Communication Oversight Committee, and the Committee on Equality of Access to Care. He has been awarded the DWEP grant for two consecutive years, enabling him to organize capacity development training on Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders for junior neurologists, neurology residents, and non-neurologists in underserved parts of Ethiopia. Additionally, Dr. Zewde is a faculty member in the MDS-AS Multicenter Movement Disorders Grand Rounds and the Center to Center Movement Disorders Training Program.

There is a growing interest in movement disorders across Africa, despite the limited number of neurologists and specialists in this field. I am committed to contributing to the development of movement disorders care on the continent.

By serving on the executive committee, I believe I can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of this field, addressing existing gaps, and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. I am particularly passionate about supporting diverse learning needs and expanding access to educational and clinical resources that can drive sustainable, positive change in underserved regions.

Eman Hamid is an Associate Professor of Neurology and a movement disorders specialist at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. She combines clinical practice with a strong academic role, with a particular commitment to medical education and mentoring. She actively supervises master’s and PhD theses and contributes to the organization of departmental workshops and academic conferences. Dr. Hamid has a keen interest in clinical research, with several publications in the field of movement disorders. She is a member of the MDS Education Committee and is affiliated with the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), where she continues to advance her expertise in genetics and bioinformatics. Her ongoing goal is to improve patient care through education, research, and innovation in neurological services.

MDS has been a pillar in my neurological quest for knowledge. Through its activities which are free for us in low income countries, I have been able to benefit immensely and work at a level at par with professionals round the world. 

I desire to see this vision extended to others, including more allied health workers like nurses and extension workers. THis is because neurologists are in short supply here in Africa and this is a dire need. My vision therefore would be to make more programs suitable to health workers at the community level and equip them to handle simple cases who would not have access to expert neurological care. 

I also desire to improve access to levodopa to people living with parkinsons through advocacy. 

I see an MDS who is a global player in education at all levels especially in resource poor countries and and MDS that strongly advocates for better access to levodopa for patients living with Parkinsons Disease. 

I am a neurologist and movement disorder specialist who completed my training in 2022 and have been working in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja. Thanks to the tutelage of my mentor Prof Okubadejo, I have had the opportunity to learn from the best and take full advantage of all the opportunities MDS offers to professionals. I have been a firm advocate for MDS , constantly sharing resources and online opportunities as well as in person to all the professionals in my contact including young residents and neurologists. I have also had the opportunity to promote the society and awareness of movement disorders through radio and TV shows which I regularly attend. 

I have also had abstracts and posters at 2 different MDS congresses, one of which was selected for oral presentation. 

Through my work, I am proud to say that many young neurologists in my country have benefited from the MDS and its activities.
 

MDS has been a pillar in my neurological quest for knowledge. Through its activities which are free for us in low income countries, I have been able to benefit immensely and work at a level at par with professionals round the world. 

I am committed to being a dedicated and integral member, who serves as a valuable resource and contributes meaningfully to the society’s goals through education, innovation and research.

I am confident in my ability to support the society by training others, applying knowledge to real-world challenges and collaborating to generate impactful ideas. 

Dr. Yusuf has over 10 years’ experience in pediatrics and neurology. He has acquired his degrees from University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). He has completed 3 months clinical observership in Movement Disorders and Parkinson’s Disease at Ain Sham’s University in Cairo. He is also former lecturer at CUHAS and currently a hononary lecturer at MUHAS.

He is a strong activist for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness and Education in Tanzania and collaborating with MDS in various trainings. Ha has conducted multiple talk shows, content distribution and social media broadcasting.

He is the current head of neurology unit at Saifee Hospital Tanzania and actively conducting advocacy and training campaigns under banner “LET’S TALK AND CURE EPILEPSY TOGETHER” and “I HAVE PARKINSON’S DISEASE BUT PARKINSON’S DOES NOT HAVE ME”. He is also the first one to start Pakinson’s Support Group in Tanzania.

He is a member of the Education Committee for MDSAS. He is also a previous executive council member of Pediatric Association of Tanzania. HE is also trainer of trainees (TOT) for PET1 by BPNA and certified TOT for MDS trainings for Allied Health Professionals.

I have been a member of the MDS since 2018 and I have attended the MDS-AS business meeting at every MDScongress since what made me appreciate the efforts and dedication put into making the section successful and want to be involved in shaping the future and contribute my time and efforts to the section success.

I believe in the society mission to spread knowledge and education in movement disorders and to improve patient access to quality care. I believe in a carrier of continuous learning and in  giving back to the society to fulfill its mission and help new members be more involved and successful. I am keen on promoting awareness and raising interest in movement disorders locally and regionally and on helping increase participation and representation in society activities while promoting education for neurologists in training and allied health professionals. 

I would like to help in organizing regional courses and contribute in building collaborations in research within the African region and with global initiatives like the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program and the Ataxia global initiative. I aim to advocate for more integration and collaboration between the French and English speaking countries in the region and help members in my country be more involved in society activities and to benefit from the wide range of opportunities offered by the society like learning ressources, MDSgene database, visiting fellowships and outcome mesures training programs.

Dr. Yasser Mecheri completed his Neurology residency in 2020 and is now working as an assistant professor of Neurology specializing in movement disorders in Dr Benbadis University Hospital Constantine, Algeria. He has a masters in Genetics and have completed a clinical fellowship in CHU la Timone’s movement disorders department, Marseille and a three months visit to the Neurogenetics Laboratory in UCL Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, London. He is also a member of the MDS-AS education committee and the MDS young members steering committee for the term 2023-2025, he helped organise the MDS-AS virtual French and English course for clinicians and a DWEP event in Algeria in 2024. Dr. Mecheri completed the peer review program 2024 and the LEAP Basics 2024 and have taken-over the MDS Instagram for the last day of the MDS congress in Philadelphia. Dr. Mecheri is also an active member of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program trainees network and serves as a trainee representative for the African region. Dr. Mecheri works on Parkinson’s disease genetics and genetics of rare movement disorders and is involved in collaborative projects in the region like the validation of the Arabic version of the MDS-NMS score and the study of Parkinson’s disease genetics in the Afrabia region.