TraPCAf team visit Ethiopia for training and policy workshops

The TraPCAf team recently delivered a series of impactful training events and workshops in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aimed at improving care for ageing populations and neurological disorders.

Thanks to funding from the Newcastle University Global Partnerships Fund, this initiative brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to enhance clinical knowledge, research skills, and policy engagement in Ethiopia.

Day 1: Training on Ageing & Pawrkinson's Disease

The team welcomed 61 healthcare professionals and students, 72% of whom had never attended training on ageing before. The session focused on:

• Understanding Ethiopia’s growing ageing population
• Neurological disorders and their impact on older adults
• Parkinson’s disease management
• The emerging need for palliative care

Participants engaged in interactive discussions and case studies, ensuring practical learning they could apply in their daily practice.

Day 2: Research Skills Workshop

Building research capacity is key to advancing neurological care. This session provided insights into systematic reviewing and evidence-based practice, patient and public involvement in research, effective research dissemination and grant funding processes.

By strengthening research skills the TraPCAf project is helping Ethiopian healthcare professionals contribute to global ageing and neurological research efforts.

Day 3: Policy Workshop

A crucial part of the visit was engaging with policymakers to drive change. TraPCAf hosted 28 key stakeholders from government, NGOs, academia, and clinical settings to identify gaps in Ethiopia’s ageing and neurological care, set research priorities and discuss strategies for improving funding and resource allocation.

This collaborative effort laid the groundwork for future improvements in policy and practice.

Beyond the workshops, TraPCAf had the privilege of visiting PPSOE’s headquarters, where they witnessed their inspiring work supporting persons with Parkinson’s. From gym sessions and speech therapy to home visits, their dedication to patient care was truly remarkable.

The team also visited hospital neurology clinics and research laboratories, strengthening partnerships and understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

This initiative highlights the power of global collaboration in enhancing healthcare for ageing populations.

By training professionals, building research capacity, and engaging policymakers, the TraPCAf project is working towards a future where neurological care in Ethiopia is stronger and more accessible.

We are incredibly grateful to our partners and look forward to continuing this important work!

Last modified: Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:00:36 GMT