Relaunching the African Brain Health Network: A call to reclaim equity, solidarity and Ubuntu in brain health

By Mohammed-Anwar Sadat Adam, Atlantic Fellows for Social & Economic Equity (AFSEE)

Africa’s history and health systems, marked by the profound pain of African values and systems erased by colonialism and mainly shaped by political, economic and environmental forces originating outside the continent, are equally defined by the continent’s enduring resistance and remarkable resilience. In 2025 and beyond, Africa’s brain health stands at a crossroads. In some countries, access to brain health services has been severely constrained, effectively shutting the door to this critical aspect of well-being. In others, it teeters on the edge of collapse, with health professionals and activists stepping in as rescuers — mobilising and organising to address the crisis using African values and diverse knowledge systems.

Yet in a few nations, brain health services are holding steady and even expanding, driven by the tireless efforts of dedicated professionals and advocates for Indigenous knowledge systems. Across the continent, countless groups and individuals are working to advance brain health equity. We must engage with them, build solidarity and amplify our shared mission.

On Aug. 26, Atlantic Fellows relaunch the African Brain Health Network (ABHN) — a renewed commitment to equity, dignity and solidarity across Africa. This moment invites us to reflect on the diverse contexts in which brain health is understood within the global Atlantic community and beyond. These contexts remind us of our shared history of colonial exploitation and the complexity of our collective experiences. They also underscore the varying visions we hold for a future rooted in justice and care.

We envision an African Brain Health Network grounded in the principles of Sankofa and Ubuntu — a network that:

• Exists in every country, in diverse forms and spaces.

• Is seen and unseen.

• Generates new ideas.

• Expresses our mission through art.

• Preserves dignity and hope.

• And champions brain health equity across Africa. 

To conclude, I draw upon the words of Professor Achille Mbembe, who argues that the African values and systems erased by colonialism are precisely what the global community needs today. I draw on the Adinkra symbol of “Sankofa,” from the Akan people of Ghana, to represent the importance of learning from the past to build a better future. It embodies the idea that it is not taboo to return to one's roots for forgotten wisdom, knowledge and heritage to progress. These values can help us reconfigure society around “a pact of care,” “restore meaning and truth” and “repair the fabric and visage of the world.” Sankofa, Ubuntu and the interconnectedness of species, humanity and the environment — core elements of Africa’s pre-colonial cultures and practices — offer profound lessons for our collective future.

As Mbembe asserts, Africa is now called upon “not just to save itself, but to help save human civilisation and reshape it on an equitable, sustainable and fair basis.” I wholeheartedly believe this call extends to brain health equity. The future lies in our hands and we cannot fail Africa — or the world.

Africa Brain Health Network relaunch

August 26, 2025 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM South Africa Standard Time.

We invite you to the official relaunch of the Africa Brain Health Network (ABHN). Sign up here: https://af-hub.org/networks/events/185717