Medical experts, caregivers and advocates have renewed calls for reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare system to enhance care for people living with Parkinson’s disease. They emphasised the need for innovation, public education and improved access to rehabilitative services to tackle the growing burden of the neurodegenerative condition.
The call was made at the third Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium, organised by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), held recently at the Foundation’s centre in Surulere, Lagos. Themed “Shaping the Future of Parkinson’s Care in Nigeria and Africa: Innovations, Challenges, and Collaborations,” the symposium brought together medical professionals, researchers, and advocates to spotlight critical gaps in Parkinson’s care and propose community-driven solutions.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Toyosi Olatunji, a member of the ADPF Governing Board, acknowledged the foundation’s progress in rehabilitative care while highlighting ongoing barriers to quality treatment.
“Despite our strides, many across Africa still lack access to neurologists, diagnostic tools, and essential medications,” she said. “This year’s symposium focuses on addressing these issues and charting a more inclusive path forward.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof Adekunle Mustapha, Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Medicine at Babcock University, stressed that improving patient outcomes would require innovative strategies and cross-sector collaboration. “We need a multi-sectoral approach involving government, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and the private sector,” he said. “Inclusion of Parkinson’s medication in the National Drug Formulary and expanded health insurance coverage are critical steps.”
Prof Mustapha also underscored the importance of enhancing community engagement through support groups, health literacy campaigns like the “SEE Parkinson’s” initiative, and increased use of telemedicine to bridge the gap in access to specialists. Stigma remains a major barrier,” he added. “We must combat it through sustained awareness campaigns, inclusive policies, and strong community support systems.”
The symposium featured two panel discussions addressing different dimensions of Parkinson’s care. In the first session—Advancing Parkinson’s Care through Medical and Rehabilitative Innovation—experts including Dr. Paul Agabi of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Mustapha, and Dr. Bolarinwa Isaac Akinola of the University of Lagos emphasized early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Agabi noted, “The earlier we identify Parkinson’s symptoms, the better the prognosis. We must equip primary healthcare workers with the skills to recognize early warning signs.”
The second panel, titled Empowering Communities for Better Parkinson’s Care, focused on grassroots advocacy and caregiver support. Panelists Mrs. Omotola Thomas, Founder of Parkinson’s Africa, and Ms. Rhoda Robinson, Founder of HACEY Health, highlighted the urgent need for education at the community level. “The power of community cannot be underestimated,” said Thomas. “Many suffer in silence because they lack information and support. We must take this message to the streets, churches, mosques—everywhere.”
As part of its awareness efforts, the Foundation announced the release of a new documentary titled “Beyond the Tremors: Living Well with Parkinson’s,” now available on its YouTube channel. The event also served as a launchpad for the upcoming #Move4PD Awareness Walk, scheduled for July 26. A memorable moment of the symposium came with a poetry performance by Prof Kimberly Campanello of the University of Leeds, UK, who lives with Parkinson’s. Her poem on movement and resilience offered a powerful blend of artistic expression and advocacy for compassion and visibility.
In closing, Dr. Onyekachi Onubogu, a member of the ADPF Governing Board, called on stakeholders to support the Foundation’s mission. “We must keep educating, supporting, and advocating. Help us change the narrative around Parkinson’s by sharing information and joining our efforts. And yes, we need financial support—this vital work cannot continue without donors and volunteers.” The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation remains committed to offering free rehabilitative care and driving policy reforms to ensure a better future for people living with Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria and across Africa.
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