AEN President's Message
Dr. Seblewongel Asmare Seyoum
President, Association of Ethiopian Neurologists
(Feb 2025- Present)
Dear Members and Partners,
It is with great honor and deep humility that I address you as the newly elected President of the Association of Ethiopian Neurologists (AEN). Our association is a historic one, founded in 1996 and re-registered in 2019, and it has endured many challenges over the years. Its continued growth and resilience are a testament to the dedication of our members and the vital importance of our mission. To now serve as President of this respected organization is a responsibility I embrace with deep respect and gratitude.
As we look ahead, our focus will be to align our national efforts with the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) for epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Neurological conditions remain a significant and growing public health concern in Ethiopia, and it is our duty to respond with coordinated, informed, and sustainable action.
Together, we will strengthen neurological services, promote awareness, and advocate for policies that protect and improve brain health across the country. We also remain committed to supporting the next generation of neurologists through education, mentorship, and research opportunities tailored to the needs of our population.
I invite every member and partner to actively engage in this journey. Let us honor our history, confront our present challenges with unity, and shape a future where every Ethiopian has access to timely and compassionate neurological care.
With sincere regards,
Dr. Hilina Dagnachew
President, Association of Ethiopian Neurologists
(2023- Jan/2024)
It has been a great privilege and honour to have served as the president of Association of Ethiopian Neurologist for the past 1 year alongside committed and professional colleagues, friends and mentors.
With increasing burden of neurologic disorders worldwide and significant multifactorial burden in low middle income countries including our country Ethiopia local and international collaborations including adaptation of international goals set by leading health organizations like WHO according to our context is mandatory to stay relevant, influential and set well -standardized and advanced care for patient with neurologic disorders.
In this regard, the association has done great advocacy work with local patient societies, policy makers and initiated and maintained international collaborations in the past years.
Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP) is a historic and powerful initiative backed by member states of united nation. And I do believe the Association of Ethiopian Neurologist should lead the adaption of this tool that will clearly make significant difference in service we provide for neurologic disorders.
Thus considering the increasing recognition of neurologic condition, the association has set the theme for the annual conference to be: “Local Solutions, Global Goals: Integrating IGAP to Improve Neurological Care in Ethiopia Setting.”
This annual conference will be a stepping stone to our future success and a great platform for strengthening our collaborations.
Warm regards
Dr. Hanna Demissie
President, Association of Ethiopian Neurologists
(2019-2023)
Dear Colleagues,
I am deeply honored and grateful to have served as the President of the Association of Ethiopian Neurologists for the past five years. This role will forever stand as a defining moment in my journey as a neurologist; a highlight that I will cherish throughout my career. My heartfelt hope, desire, and dream are that we continue to forge ahead in our mission to advance the practice of Neurology in Ethiopia.
Over the past few years, our association has achieved remarkable milestones aligned with our objectives. These achievements encompass vital contributions, such as providing technical support to the Ministry of Health, organizing advocacy-driven events, offering Continuous Medical Education (CME) opportunities for our members, affiliating with international neurological organizations to support the establishment of model services, and engaging in extensive community awareness initiatives.
The practice of Neurology in Ethiopia presents us with a unique opportunity and challenge of serving the Ethiopian public. To move forward effectively, it is imperative that we strike a delicate balance, develop tailored strategies, engage all stakeholders, and provide compelling evidence to policymakers.
This vision fuels our decision to host this year’s annual conference, themed “The Practice of Neurology in Ethiopia: Opportunities and Challenges.” It is my firm belief that the Association of Ethiopian Neurologists is a beacon of professionalism, comprising dedicated individuals driven to effect positive change in their communities. Together, I am confident that we can scale great heights and make a lasting impact.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support, and let us navigate the path ahead to realize our shared aspirations.