VOLUME 30, ISSUE 3 • September 2026. Full issue »
Interview: The MDS-African Section — Vision, challenges, and future impact
Q: Can you describe your journey within MDS leading to your role as Chair of the African Section?
A: I have had the privilege of serving within MDS for many years, and to be member of MDS-African Section steering committee, Chair of the MDS-African Section Education Committee, member of MDS-AS Executive committee and Co-Chair of the Section. Working closely with colleagues across Africa has allowed us to expand training opportunities, strengthen collaboration, and improve clinical care across the continent. It is a great honor to now serve as Chair of the MDS-AS, and to continue building on the outstanding work of previous Section leaders.
Q: What has been the overall impact of establishing the African Section?
A: The establishment of the African Section completed the four global regions (corners) of MDS, reinforcing its truly international mission. The support from MDS Officers since the Section’s inception has been tremendous and instrumental in its growth and development. Remarkably, African colleagues actively contribute to numerous MDS committees and working groups. This progress reflects the inclusive strategy and strong support of MDS.
One of our long-term dreams is to establish a regular regional African meeting, although this remains challenging due to limited resources — but it is a goal we continue to work toward.
Q: What is the vision of the MDS-AS new leaders?
A: Our vision aligns closely with the MDS Strategic Plan 2025-2029. We aim to lead and continue high-quality educational activities in-person and virtually, promote the Asynchronous Consultations for Movement Disorders program, and promote networking across Africa. A key priority is expanding outreach to more African countries and academic institutions and identifying new leaders and ambassadors, while supporting the establishment of well-trained, specialized physicians and dedicated movement disorder clinics. We are also committed to broader inclusion of allied health professionals, scientists, and neurosurgeons, and to actively encouraging multidisciplinary care and collaborative research.
Also, we strongly believe in collaboration as a driver of progress. The African Section actively promotes networking and partnerships with regional and international societies such as AFAN, WFN, WHO, and GP2. These collaborations support education, research initiatives, and — most importantly — improve resources and access to care for patients across Africa. Also, we will work closely with other MDS regions and committees to obtain global strategies.
Q: What are the main challenges facing the African Section?
A: Africa faces several challenges, including limited resources and funding, a low number of neurologists and trained physicians, and relatively limited research output. Limited access to comprehensive care and therapies is important challenge in most African regions and countries. However, we believe these challenges can be overcome through innovative planning, capacity building, and strong collaboration with societies and organizations serving Africa. Our most important challenge is to sustain and build upon the success achieved by previous leaders, while continuing to add meaningful new achievements that expand the Section’s impact across Africa. Together, we can overcome any challenges and achieve great goals.
Q: How do you see the future of the African Section?
A: I am very optimistic about the future. Since the establishment of the African Section in 2019, we have achieved significant milestones. We have delivered educational activities both in person and virtually on par with other MDS sections, expanded African membership, and seen our colleagues actively contribute to numerous MDS committees and working groups. This progress reflects the inclusive strategy and strong support of MDS.
We are also working closely with other societies to unify our efforts. I am delighted to share that we recently had the first MDS-AS Parkinson and Movement Disorders Conference in March in Nairobi, in collaboration with GP2. This conference was a resounding success and represents a major milestone for the region, bringing together colleagues from across Africa.
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