AFRICTRIMS: a step towards broadening multiple sclerosis conversations
Document Type
Article
Department
Internal Medicine (East Africa)
Abstract
In 2024, the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) marked its 40th anniversary, highlighting four decades of progress in multiple sclerosis (MS) research and care. Despite global advances, Africa has remained underrepresented—until the establishment of the African Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (AFRICTRIMS). Historically, MS was considered rare in Africa due to limited awareness, lack of specialists, inadequate diagnostics, and restricted access to disease-modifying therapies. Recent efforts, including patient support groups, neurology training, and local research, have begun to change this narrative. Inspired by regional counterparts like the Middle East North Africa CTRIMS, AFRICTRIMS was formed through growing cross-border collaborations and regional conferences, including the pivotal 2023 MS conference in Nairobi. In 2024, the group launched targeted training workshops and a monthly webinar series to foster research dissemination, clinical discussion, and patient advocacy. Looking ahead, AFRICTRIMS aims to increase Africa’s visibility in global MS research, attract clinical trials to the region, improve access to advanced treatments, and build a strong network of African-led expertise and innovation. By promoting South–South collaboration and locally relevant solutions, AFRICTRIMS envisions a transformative role in MS care across the continent.
Publication (Name of Journal)
The Lancet Neurology
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00197-8
Recommended Citation
Sokhi, D.,
Saylor, D.
(2025). AFRICTRIMS: a step towards broadening multiple sclerosis conversations. The Lancet Neurology, 24(7), 563-564.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_intern_med/471