The inaugural course featured a program based on the Erice International Courses on Neuroepidemiology.
By Pierre Marie Preux and Carlos N. Ketzoian
Attendees of the First Central Asian Course on Neuroepidemiology.
The First Central Asian Course on Neuroepidemiology in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, featured the theme of “Advancing Neuroepidemiology for a Healthier Central Asia.” This course was organized by the International Higher School of Medicine in Kyrgyzstan, the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, and the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) Specialty Group on Neuroepidemiology.
The need for reliable data, modern research methods, and evidence-based approaches in neurology in Central Asia is especially pressing. This course brought together experts, early career researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals Dec. 1-5, 2025, to strengthen regional capacity in neuroepidemiology, an essential discipline for understanding, preventing, and managing neurological diseases.
Both the structure and the content of this First Central Asian Course on Neuroepidemiology are based on the Erice International Courses of Neuroepidemiology and other similar courses conducted in Latin America and Africa.
The course was coordinated by Dr. Kenesh Dzhusupov, head of the Department of Public Health at the International Higher School of Medicine.
Twenty-six participants from different countries in the region — mainly Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan — took part in five intense and enriching days of learning. One participant came from outside of the region (Denmark).
Profs. Walter A. Rocca (United States), Giancarlo Logroscino (Italy), Jeremiah A. Aakre (United States), and Drs. Thibaut Gelle and Andrea Erazo (France) were part of the teaching team.
The course opened with the participation of Prof. Stalbek M. Akhunbaev, rector of the International Higher School of Medicine.
Participants and teachers had in-depth discussions on the different aspects of the clinical-epidemiological methodology for the study of neurological diseases. The program included lectures, analytical sessions, and practical workshops delivered by leading international specialists in neurology, public health, epidemiology, and health policy. Participants explored modern epidemiological methods, study designs, data interpretation, and the integration of neuroepidemiological findings into clinical practice and health system planning. This full-immersion course format allowed total focus on the subjects.
The course was evaluated by the participants following completion. Academic interest, research activities, professional development, and the opportunity to network were listed as the main reasons for taking part. The quality of the course and its organization were rated as excellent.
This inaugural course established a vital platform for advancing neuroepidemiological research and practice across Central Asia, with a clear pathway for future growth and collaboration. It successfully laid a foundation for an ongoing professional development in the region.
Consequently, a Second Central Asian Course on Neuroepidemiology in Almaty, Kazakhstan, has been proposed to expand regional reach. This subsequent course aims to build on the established momentum of the first course, further strengthen the regional network of neuroepidemiology professionals, and address the identified need for regular (e.g. annual) advanced training opportunities.
This kind of course corresponds to the objectives defined by the WFN’s Specialty Group on Neuroepidemiology.
Prof. Pierre Marie Preux and Prof. Carlos N. Ketzoian are the chair and past chair of the WFN Specialty Group on Neuroepidemiology.
