By: Abraham Donkor
The President of the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), Mr. Bamba Youssouf, has stressed that the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) cannot be won without the active and sustained involvement of the media.
Speaking at the opening session of the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs in Cotonou, Benin, Mr. Youssouf noted that the continued global conversation on eliminating NTDs is a clear sign that the media has not been fully engaged in the campaign.
“If we are still talking about eliminating NTDs today, it is because the media has not been actively involved,” he stated.
He described journalists as critical drivers of social change rather than passive observers and called for consistent support to enable the media give greater visibility to NTDs, often referred to as “diseases of the poor.”
Neglected Tropical Diseases comprise about 20 illnesses, including guinea worm, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), and onchocerciasis. These diseases disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities. Ghana, Togo, and Benin have successfully eliminated four NTDs, while efforts continue to eliminate others.
The forum has brought together more than 30 journalists from across Africa, alongside development partners and health sector stakeholders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Resident Representative in Benin, Dr. Konan Kouamé Jean, described the forum as a symbolic commemoration of World NTDs Day 2026. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting countries in the regional fight against NTDs, emphasising that their elimination is a matter of social justice.
“NTDs must not be ignored. Their elimination is an imperative of social justice for the world,” he said.
Hosting the event, the Government of Benin underscored the need for sustainable domestic financing to consolidate gains made so far.
Deputy Cabinet Director at the Ministry of Health, Assavedo Sibylle, called for stronger support from local organisations and partners. She highlighted the role of the media in amplifying NTD issues to influence policy decisions and budgetary allocations.
The two-day forum will climax with an awards ceremony sponsored by the African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency and former UNAIDS Executive Director, Dr. Michel Sidibé.
Development partners supporting this year’s forum include Speak Up Africa, the Gates Foundation, and the Raoul Follereau Foundation.
