Global NeuroCare Supports Neurology in Developing
A neurologist with three decades of experience, James C. Johnston, MD, JD, established Global NeuroCare® to improve neurological care and services in developing regions, especially in the least developed nations. Global NeuroCare® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC, accredited by World Health Organization, and affiliated with the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa. Mehila Zebenigus, MD and Dr. Johnston serve as Directors of the NGO, with a mission of improving neurological care in developing regions to achieve the vision of global neurological equity. Global NeuroCare® received the highest status granted by the United Nations to NGOs, after recommendation of the ECOSOC Committee, comprised of 54 Member States, which performed a lengthy assessment including review of its statutes, objectives, past and present affiliations, and achievements. Drs. James C. Johnston and Mehila Zebenigus, on behalf of Global NeuroCare®, provide expert analysis to the UN, implement and monitor international agreements, actively advance UN goals, make written and oral statements, and serve as UN delegates at sessions in Geneva, New York, and Vienna. Global NeuroCare® works in partnership with Addis Ababa University, where Dr. Johnston serves as an Honorary Professor of Neurology and focuses on developing and advancing the neurology residency training program. This program has trained over 50 board-certified neurologists since inception in 2006, making a significant improvement in the Horn of Africa where there remains a dearth of neurologists. More importantly, in addition to seeing patients, these neurologists teach at the medical school to ensure general physicians and internists are trained to manage common diseases such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia, and headache. There remain significant hurdles – a continuing shortage of neurologists (according to the WHO, Ethiopia needs up to 4,500 neurologists, an impossible goal), narrow geographical distribution of the current staff, significant infrastructural barriers, and limited equipment and supplies, all superimposed on a fragile political system, widespread poverty, and limited educational opportunities. The most effective approach to improving medical care in these impoverished regions is to work in partnership with universities, hospitals, and clinics, ensuring a global standard of care, fostering independence, with realistic goals, and maintaining full accountability and transparency.








