Celebrating the first AFRICTRIMS Conference

The first-ever AFRICTRIMS Conference, held from 29–31 May 2026 in Ghana, marked a historic and inspiring milestone for the MS community across Africa. More than just a conference, it was a unifying moment bringing together people affected by MS, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, organisations and advocates from across the continent and beyond. Participants gathered to share knowledge, experiences and a collective commitment to progress. 

A Patient Day Rooted in Hope and Connection 

The conference opened with a dedicated Patient Support Day on 29 May, thoughtfully centred around the theme ‘Key to Hope.’ Designed as a hybrid event, it ensured inclusivity by welcoming both in-person participants and a global virtual audience. 

The day was rich with meaningful dialogue and heartfelt storytelling. Patients and care partners shared powerful lived experiences openly reflecting on the often long and complex journeys to diagnosis, including challenges such as misdiagnosis, limited awareness and navigating daily life with conditions including MS, NMOSD and MOGAD. Despite these difficulties, moments of resilience, humour and strength shone through, underscoring the human spirit that defines the MS community. 

The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis (Ghana) enriched the programme, offering practical insights and support. The inclusion of neurologists and healthcare professionals further strengthened the day by sharing their clinical expertise.  

Annthadine O-Oyefeso, Senior Organisational Development and Movement Building Manager at MSIF, presented on MSIF’s global work, including research advances, advocacy, and strengthening MS organisations worldwide. The presentation emphasised the importance of ensuring African perspectives are represented in global initiatives, reinforcing MSIF’s commitment to equity and inclusion. 

Other impactful contributions included The Sumaira Foundation who showcased their dedicated work supporting people affected by MS at a community level. The day concluded with an engaging “Ask the Experts” session, providing space for practical questions on diagnosis, treatment and daily management. 

What stood out most was the deep sense of connection – individuals finding community, sharing openly and realising they are not alone.  

A Scientific Programme Driving Progress 

The conference’s Scientific Day took place on 30 May, coinciding with the global World MS Day campaign. This year’s global theme, ‘My MS Diagnosis,’ resonated deeply with the discussions throughout AFRICTRIMS, highlighting diagnostic challenges in Africa and the urgent need for improved awareness and access to care. 

The scientific sessions brought together neurologists, researchers and healthcare professionals across the continent to exchange knowledge and collaborate on the advancement of MS care.  

Dr Yohane Gadama from Malawi, one of MSIF’s McDonald Fellows, played an important role in planning the conference, as well as speaking about his research on HIV and MS, and co-chairing a session on NMO/MOGAD. 

‘It was amazing to see growing conversations with neurologists from other countries, sharing notes and ideas on building local and regional MS registries. The conversations have been timely and well aligned with my current fellowship. And for AFRICTRIMS, we can only hope for a bright future.’ Dr Yohane Gadama 

MSIF played an important role in these discussions, with its Senior International Evidence Manager Rachel King sharing insights from the Atlas of MS. Her presentation highlighted critical data on MS prevalence and access to disease-modifying therapies in Africa compared to other regions while also drawing attention to significant data gaps. These gaps reflect broader challenges: limited awareness, barriers to diagnosis, misdiagnosis and restricted access to specialists and diagnostic tools.  

MSIF reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these challenges through regional partnerships by strengthening MS organisations, improving data collection and building clinical and research capacity. Initiatives such as the McDonald Fellowships, enabling clinicians and researchers from low- and middle-income countries to train at MS centres of excellence, were highlighted as key drivers of long-term impact. 

Professor Andrew Solomon also presented on the updated McDonald criteria, drawing on insights from the Atlas of MS to highlight key barriers to timely diagnosis. He noted that some of the recent changes to the diagnostic criteria may help facilitate diagnosis in resource-constrained settings. For example, reducing the need for contrast-enhanced MRI in certain circumstances can help lower costs. At the same time, Professor Solomon highlighted evidence that these criteria have not always been consistently applied in practice. It was therefore important to take particular care in atypical presentations, where the risk of misdiagnosis remains higher. 

Throughout the discussions, a recurring and powerful theme was the historical misconception that MS does not exist in Africa or among Black populations. As emphasised during the conference, this has never been a matter of absence but rather one of under-recognition. 

Looking Ahead 

The inaugural AFRICTRIMS Conference has set a powerful precedent. It was not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also a catalyst for building lasting collaborations, strengthening community networks and driving meaningful progress for people living with MS and related conditions across Africa. 

With its strong foundation and clear purpose, AFRICTRIMS stands poised to become a cornerstone in the global MS landscape championing equity, amplifying African voices and unlocking new pathways toward improved care and hope for all. We look forward to our continued collaboration within the region. 

Celebrating Collaboration and Culture 

The success of AFRICTRIMS is a testament to the dedication and vision of its organisers. Special recognition is due to Dr Deanna Saylor, Dr Fiifi Duodu, Dr Carl Hasford, Dr Nana Akua Saarah Opoku-Akyeampong and the entire organising team for delivering such an impactful and meaningful inaugural event. 

Beyond the scientific and clinical discussions, the conference also celebrated Ghana’s rich culture. A vibrant traditional dance performance provided an energising and joyful interlude, reminding attendees of the importance of cultural connection and shared experience in global gatherings.