Advancing Parkinson’s Care in Ethiopia Highlights from the Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa (TraPCAf) Workshop

The Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa (TraPCAf) Workshop on Parkinson’s Disease Research in Ethiopia: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead was held on November 29–30, 2025. The event was organized by Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the NIHR Global Health Research Group on Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa (TraPCAf).

The workshop brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to discuss current efforts to improve the understanding and management of Parkinson’s disease in Ethiopia. The workshop was attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopia’s Mental, Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) programme, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia (MoH), the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), the Neurology Association, and leading Ethiopian universities, as well as PPSO-E and patient representatives.

Key topics included the current status of Parkinson’s disease research in Ethiopia, an overview of the Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP) and its role in shaping Parkinson’s disease–related policy, the importance of research in strengthening healthcare services and improving the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s (PwP), and the advancement of Parkinson’s care and herbal medicine clinical trials in Ethiopia. Discussions focused on generating strong evidence, improving regulatory frameworks, and promoting collaboration among institutions.

The workshop marked an important step forward in building a stronger foundation for Parkinson’s disease research, informed policy development, and more patient-centred care in Ethiopia.