Research presentations, mentorship, and global engagement shape the experience of a young neurologist from Rwanda.
By Dr. Olivier Uwishema
Dr. Olivier Uwishema in front of his poster presentation.
I was deeply honored to be selected as a recipient of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) Junior Traveling Fellowship 2026, which supported my participation in the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting, April 18-22, 2026, in Chicago.
As part of this prestigious opportunity, I presented my research titled “Mental Health Disorders Among Displaced Populations in Africa: A Systematic Review of Refugees and IDPs.”
This work was conducted under the Research and Education division of the Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO). The study systematically synthesized evidence regarding the prevalence, risk factors, and interventions related to mental health disorders among refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Africa.
The systematic review included 78 studies involving more than 92,000 displaced individuals from over 20 African countries. The findings demonstrated a substantial burden of mental health disorders among displaced populations, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Key risk factors identified included trauma exposure, gender-based violence, poverty, and prolonged displacement, while social cohesion and community support emerged as important protective factors.
Importantly, the study highlighted the urgent need for scalable, culturally adapted, and community-delivered mental health interventions integrated into humanitarian and national health care systems throughout Africa. The study also identified major research gaps, particularly regarding suicidal ideation, long-term recovery trajectories, and integrated mental health services for displaced populations.
Presenting this work at the AAN Annual Meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with neurologists, neuroscientists, researchers, clinicians, trainees, and global health leaders from around the world. The conference featured outstanding scientific sessions, innovative research presentations, and important discussions on neurological disorders, brain health, neuropsychiatry, neuroimmunology, global neurology, and advances in clinical neuroscience.
During the poster presentation sessions, I had the privilege of discussing my research with numerous international attendees, including clinicians and researchers interested in global mental health, humanitarian neurology, refugee health, and public health policy. These interactions generated meaningful discussions regarding the integration of mental health services into humanitarian responses and the importance of expanding evidence-based neurological and psychiatric care in low-resource settings.
The meeting also provided exceptional networking and mentorship opportunities. I was able to connect with distinguished leaders in neurology and global neuroscience, exchange ideas on future collaborations, and gain valuable insights into advancing research that addresses neurological and mental health disparities affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.
Receiving the WFN Junior Traveling Fellowship was both an honor and a major source of encouragement in my academic and professional journey. I am sincerely grateful to the WFN for supporting young researchers and promoting global participation in neurology and brain health initiatives. This opportunity significantly strengthened my commitment to advancing research, education, and advocacy focused on mental health, neurology, and underserved populations in Africa and globally.
I also extend my gratitude to the AAN for organizing such an impactful and scientifically enriching meeting that fostered learning, collaboration, mentorship, and international engagement among neurologists and neuroscience professionals worldwide. •
Dr. Olivier Uwishema is a young neurologist from Kigali, Rwanda. He is also founder of the Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO).
