1st WFADHD African Regional Meeting
Improving ADHD assessment and Management in Africa
The 1st WF ADHD African Regional Meeting took place in Maputo, Mozambique, on 3–4 November 2018, marking an important milestone in the World Federation of ADHD's commitment to strengthening ADHD awareness, education and professional collaboration across Africa. Organised in partnership with the Division of Mental Health of the Ministry of Health of Mozambique, the meeting brought together international experts and mental health professionals from across the continent to exchange knowledge and build lasting networks.
Bringing Together Expertise from Across Africa
Planning for the meeting began almost a year in advance through close collaboration between the World Federation of ADHD, the Ministry of Health of Mozambique and supporting partners. Financial support from the Ministry of Health of Mozambique, the WF ADHD and Shire made it possible to welcome delegates from across Africa and create an international forum dedicated to improving ADHD care.
The meeting was promoted widely throughout the continent with the support of leading mental health professionals, including Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, Prof. Petrus de Vries, Prof. Hesham Hamoda and Prof. Jibril O. Abdulmalik. Additional support from Prof. Helen Herrman, then President of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), helped raise awareness of the initiative among WPA member societies in Africa.
An International Exchange
From a large number of applications, delegates were selected to represent Angola, Benin, Egypt, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda, joining almost 30 mental health professionals from Mozambique. Together, they created a unique forum for sharing regional experiences and discussing the challenges and opportunities of ADHD diagnosis and treatment in different healthcare settings.
The scientific programme was led by Prof. Luis A. Rohde, together with mentors Prof. André Venter (University of the Free State, South Africa) and Prof. David Coghill (University of Melbourne, Australia), who shared their expertise through lectures, discussions and case-based learning.
The meeting was officially opened by Prof. Dr. João Leopoldo da Costa, Vice-Minister of Health of the Republic of Mozambique, who highlighted the importance of strengthening mental health training and fostering collaboration among professionals from different African countries.
One of our delegates, Precious Makiyi from Malawi, waited more than 30 hours in the airport of Nairobi, Kenya, due to a flight cancellation, to join us in the second day of the meeting.
International delegates and faculty at the 1st WFADHD African Regional Meeting in Maputo.
A Foundation for Future Collaboration
Over two days of intensive scientific exchange, participants explored current approaches to ADHD care while building professional relationships that extended far beyond the meeting itself. The strong engagement of delegates demonstrated both the growing interest in ADHD across Africa and the need for continued opportunities for education and collaboration.
The success of the meeting reflected the outstanding support of the Division of Mental Health of the Ministry of Health of Mozambique and its organising team, whose commitment helped establish the event as the first step in a broader effort to increase ADHD awareness throughout the region.
Today, the meeting remains an important milestone in the Federation's mission to promote evidence-based ADHD care and strengthen international cooperation around the world.
Participants and organisers during the 1st WFADHD African Regional Meeting in Maputo.
The meeting was officially opened by Prof. Dr. João Leopoldo da Costa, Vice-Minister of Health of Mozambique.
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