By Temitope Omoniyi
An alumna of the University of Ilorin, Dr Margaret Isioma Ojeahere, has been selected as one of the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Programme, an initiative of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of San Francisco.
The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health are a unique cohort of highly networked interprofessional leaders that are experts in brain health and dementia prevention.
Dr Ojeahere, who graduated from the College of Health Sciences in 2004, is now the first Nigerian psychiatrist to get this fellowship, a highly competitive and selective programme.
In a post shared on the Institute’s website, www.gbhi.org, Dr Ojeahere expressed the hope to “establish integrated brain health and memory clinics in Nigerian communities that use digital platforms, contribute to global research by expanding African dementia data, and develop policies that improve overall dementia management.”
She noted that Nigeria’s dementia landscape is shaped by poor awareness, cultural beliefs, stigma, and resource shortages. She, however, expressed her commitment to leverage technology, strategic partnerships, and community services to promote prevention, early detection and improved care.
On completion of her medical training at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Dr Ojeahere obtained her Master degree in Public Health from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and earned the Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians following completion of her residency in Psychiatry. She is currently a consultant psychiatrist and researcher with Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Her work spans global mental health, psychogeriatrics, bioethics, and digital mental health, focusing on underserved populations.
Representing a diverse community of over 300+ individuals from over 65 countries worldwide, the Atlantic Fellows at GBHI aim to promote brain health and dementia prevention, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life of people with dementia.
