Parkinson Africa, ADPF Call for Classification of Parkinson Disease’s Medication as Essential Drugs

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Founder/Chair Board of Trustees of Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), Mrs. Morin Desalu, has called on federal and state governments to include Parkinson’s medication on the list of essential drugs and to support in getting that medication at a lower cost.

Desalu made the call during the 4th Annual Walking Football Parkinson Disease Tournament 2026, which was held recently in Surulere, Lagos State.

The tournament was organised by ADPF with collaboration with Parkinson Africa, a United Kingdom based organisation that was founded by Mrs. Omotola Thomas.  

Desalu said, “With the population we see of people living with Parkinson, we know that this is a growing problem. It is not a Nigerian thing because it is global.

“Parkinson is the fastest spreading neuro degenerative disease in 2026. Therefore, it is not something that we can ignore. It is not something the government should ignore.  

“We need Parkinson’s medication on the list of essential drugs. And we need the government to support in getting that medication at a lower cost.”

She said that her husband lived with Parkinson for nearly 11 years. “We did not know that it was Parkinson in the first six years. He died in 2019 and we decided that we should start helping people with Parkinson in Nigeria,” Desalu said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Charity Manager, Parkinson Africa, Dr. Ruth Ebe Emordi, said that the Parkinson Africa is working with ADPF as its in country partner in Nigeria, to ensure that people living with Parkinson and their caregivers have access to the things they need.

Emordi, who also represented the Founder/Chair of the Board of Trustees, Parkinson Africa, Mrs. Omotola Thomas, during the tournament said that the ADPF and Parkinson Africa are spearheading the mission to reach every Nigerian affected by Parkinson disease.  

The Chairman, Advisory Council of ADPF, Dr. Aderemi Desalu, said that the main issue with the disease is lack of awareness, which fosters stigmatisation of those living with Parkinson.

He said that the biggest thing we need to do now is to make sure that we are all aware of it and are sure of where to go for treatment and community.  

“Lagos State Government is very helpful in enabling us to do what we need to do. All the work we do is free, which means we do not charge anything. It is paid by donors.

“The government should help the people who cannot afford the treatment and in procuring the machines that can help in diagnosing the disease early.

“But as I said Lagos State is doing a good job and I urge other state governments to join.”