Parkinson's in Africa
- Guest Writer
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
From our little corner of the Notting Hill pub, it can be hard to see what life is like for people with Parkinson's across the rest of the UK – let alone around the world! Today, however, we're talking about Parkinson's care in Africa, a continent where levodopa access is limited and where stigmas around the condition still impact countless lives. We're joined by experts – both in the pub and down the line from the frontline of treatment – to try and understand the situation and how the global community might collaborate to alleviate some of the suffering of African Parkies.
Each week, Rory Cellan-Jones guides us between the laughs and moans in the pub. To read Rory's summary of this week's episode, click here.
Guest Biographies
Dr Natasha Fothergill-Misbah
Dr Natasha Fothergill-Misbah is a Postdoctoral Research Associate working in the field of Global Public Health at Newcastle University. Her research mainly uses qualitative methods and has focused on ageing and gerontology (mainly in Africa), Parkinson’s disease, stigma, access to healthcare, and climate change and health. Natasha is also interested in how research can influence policy, consults for the World Health Organization Brain Health Unit, and is involved with Parkinson’s advocacy organisations and activities around the world. [From Newcastle University website]
Sir Andrew Mitchell
Following the General Election in May 2005, Andrew joined the Shadow Cabinet and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for International Development. Andrew Mitchell was Secretary of State for International Development from May 2010 until September 2012 and Government Chief Whip from September – October 2012. Andrew returned to the Government, serving as Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office from October 2022 to July 2024. In April 2024, he was given the title of Deputy Foreign Secretary. Andrew served as Shadow Foreign Secretary from July to November 2024. [From Sir Andrew Mitchell MP website]
Dr Temitope Farombi
Dr Temitope Farombi is a consultant neurologist, an Atlantic Fellow for Global Health Institute (GBHI), founder of Ohealth, a pioneering health tech start-up, and Brain Health Initiative Nigeria, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, stemming stigma and advocating policies that promote brain health in Nigeria. Dr Farombi's current focus is on leveraging telemedicine for dementia care and other neurological disorders, and implementing community engagement strategies to raise awareness and support for people living with dementia in Nigeria. [From LinkedIn and Global Brain Health Institute]
Professor Richard Walker
A Consultant Physician with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Professor of Ageing and International Health at Newcastle University. Professor Walker has a special interest in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and is the Clinical lead for the Northumbria PD Service. I am Director of R&D for the Trust, and I am closely involved both locally and nationally with the DeDRoN Research Network. He has a particular research interest in stroke and Parkinson's Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), specifically Tanzania. [From Newcastle University website]
