One Voice for Neurology

Hosted BySam Pauly

“One Voice for Neurology” es una serie de podcasts de la European Academy for Neurology (EAN) que explora por qué es el momento de hacer de la neurología una prioridad global

OneNeurology OneNeurology Welcomes New Leadership and Thanks Outgoing Chairs

OneNeurology is pleased to announce the appointment of its new leadership, welcoming Chair Abdelfatah Ibrahim and Vice-Chair Prof. Dr. Kevin Rostasy. Their combined expertise, global perspective, and longstanding commitment to advancing neurological care and advocacy mark an exciting new chapter for the initiative.

Abdelfatah Ibrahim joins as Chair, bringing over 17 years of experience in international development and civil society. As Head of Communications, Campaigns and Advocacy at the MS International Federation (MSIF), he leads global awareness initiatives such as World MS Day and drives advocacy efforts with the World Health Organization. Previously, he oversaw MSIF’s capacity-building work across the MENA region and Asia, supporting organisations to strengthen services for people affected by multiple sclerosis.

Abdelfatah has a strong track record in delivering healthcare and disability campaigns that promote equitable access to treatment and inclusive policy reform. He holds a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Birmingham and has collaborated with several international governmental aid agencies. Beyond his work with MSIF, he has served as a trustee for organisations addressing poverty and inequality and is also an elected local councillor.

On the occasion of becoming a OneNeurology Chair he stated: “It is an honour to chair OneNeurology at a time when neurological conditions are gaining greater recognition within global health policy. By working together across the neurology community, we can strengthen our collective voice and improve access to diagnosis, treatment and care for people affected by neurological conditions worldwide. I look forward to engaging with OneNeurology Partners in the coming weeks and months to advance our joint vision.”

Prof. Dr. Kevin Rostásy takes on the role of Vice-Chair, contributing extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience in paediatric neurology. He served as President of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) from 2022 to 2026 and continues to support the society as Secretary. EPNS is one of the largest international organisations in paediatric neurology, with a strong focus on advocacy for children with neurological disorders, working closely with partners such as the WHO and the European Brain Council.

Prof. Dr. Rostásy trained as a paediatrician in Aberdeen, Scotland, and specialised in paediatric neurology at the Floating Hospital at Tufts University in Boston, USA. Following a three-year NIH research fellowship focusing on AIDS-dementia complex, he returned to Germany, where he is currently Head of Paediatric Neurology at the Children’s Hospital in Datteln. His research interests include paediatric neuroimmunology and the long-term outcomes of children affected by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and autoimmune encephalitis. He is also actively engaged in international neurology initiatives, including the Lancet Commission on Neurorehabilitation and working groups of the European Brain Council.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Vice-Chair of OneNeurology at a time when global collaboration is essential to improving brain health and access to neurological care. Drawing on my experience in international collaboration, education, and advocacy, I will work to strengthen partnerships and champion a true life-course approach to neurology—from fetal and neonatal stages through childhood, adulthood, and into older age. Together, we will expand equitable access, foster global networks, and drive meaningful improvements in outcomes for people with neurological conditions worldwide.” said Prof. Dr. Rostásy.

As OneNeurology welcomes its new Chair and Vice-Chair, we also extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing leaders, Donna Walsh (IBE) and Coriene Catsman-Berrevoets (EPNS), for their dedication, leadership, and invaluable contributions. Their efforts have helped shape and strengthen the OneNeurology partnership, laying a solid foundation for future progress.

We look forward to the continued growth and impact of OneNeurology under this new leadership, as we work together to advance neurological health worldwide.