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Posted by: The Sumaira Foundation in News & Announcements
On May 29, 2026, history was made in Accra, Ghana, as patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and advocates gathered at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for the inaugural AFRICTRIMS Patient Day – the first event of its kind in Ghana and the official kickoff to the first-ever AFRICTRIMS weekend.
Centered around the theme “Key to Hope,” the event represented far more than a day of education. It was a powerful statement that people living with rare neuroimmune disorders in Africa deserve access to timely diagnosis, quality care, effective treatments, patient education and a supportive community.
A total of ~135 participants joined the hybrid event, with the majority attending in person. Attendees represented countries across Africa and beyond, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. The diverse representation underscored the growing movement to advance neuroimmunology care across Africa and beyond, creating an environment where education, connection and hope could flourish.
Moderated by Dr. Nana Akua Opoku-Akyeampong, the program featured presentations from an international faculty of experts, including:
For many attendees, it was the first opportunity to meet others facing similar diagnoses and challenges. The day amplified the voices and experiences of individuals living with:
Throughout the day, a recurring theme emerged: while awareness and expertise in neuroimmunology are growing across Africa, significant barriers remain. Many patients continue to experience delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialists, inadequate diagnostic testing and restricted availability of disease-modifying therapies. In some regions, individuals may spend years searching for answers or travel long distances to access care.
The presence of healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocates and community leaders demonstrated that progress is possible when people come together with a shared vision. The event was further honored by the attendance of Her Royal Majesty Naa Lamiley Ajaaku Dromo II, the revered Queen Mother of Lante Djan We in Ga Mashie within the Ga State, whose presence emphasized the importance of community engagement and leadership in advancing health equity.
AFRICTRIMS Patient Day was organized through the leadership and dedication of Dr. Fiifi Duodu and Dr. Deanna Saylor, whose commitment to improving neuroimmunology care across the region helped bring this historic event to life. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Carl Hasford and the medical student volunteers from the University of Ghana Medical School and the AAN Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) Ghana Chapter. Their passion, energy and dedication helped create a welcoming and seamless experience for all attendees and faculty, demonstrating the next generation’s commitment to advancing neurological care across Africa.
As AFRICTRIMS continues to grow, this inaugural Patient Day serves as a reminder that meaningful change begins with connection, education and advocacy. The unmet needs across sub-Saharan Africa remain substantial, but so does the opportunity to improve outcomes for people living with rare neuroimmune disorders.
The conversations that began in Accra are only the beginning. Together, we can continue to build a future where every person – regardless of where they live – has access to the care, treatment and hope they deserve.
The program was made possible with the support of The Nerve of My MS, The Sumaira Foundation and the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF).