The African Stroke Organization Conference 2021: Building Capacity, Careers, Collaborations, and Contributions

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• The African continent faces a significant and escalating burden of stroke.
• There is a need for a dedicated forum to advance stroke science and research capacity in Africa.

Framework:

• The inaugural African Stroke Organization Conference (ASOC) provided a virtual platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Sessions covered diverse stroke topics, including acute care, rehabilitation, policy, and emerging research areas.

Implementation:

• The conference featured lectures by distinguished scientists and policymakers, invited presentations, and oral/poster abstract sessions.
• Special sessions like the Vascular Brain Trust and Moving on Up focused on mentoring early-career researchers.
• A 'Frontiers of Research in Africa' session highlighted African scientific capabilities.

Implications:

• ASOC 2021 successfully fostered a collaborative environment and showcased African research potential.
• The conference is expected to catalyze capacity building, career development, and scientific contributions to stroke management in Africa.
• ASOC aims to address the growing stroke burden through enhanced research and interdisciplinary collaboration.