The fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) cannot be won without the active and sustained involvement of the media, the President of the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), Mr. Bamba Youssouf, has said.
Opening the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs in Cotonou, Mr. Youssouf stressed that the continued global conversation on eliminating these diseases signals a gap in media engagement and public awareness.
“If we are still talking about eliminating NTDs today, it is because the media has not been actively involved,” he said, urging journalists to take a leading role in shaping public discourse and driving action.
He described the media as powerful agents of social change rather than passive observers, calling for greater support to enable reporters to amplify the voices of affected communities and bring attention to what are 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 populations across Africa and other developing regions.
Countries such as Ghana, Togo and Benin have already eliminated four NTDs, with continued efforts underway to tackle remaining infections.
The forum has brought together more than 30 journalists from across Africa, alongside development partners and health stakeholders, to strengthen media capacity in reporting on NTD elimination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Resident Representative in Benin, Dr. Konan Kouamé Jean, described the event as a symbolic commemoration of the 2026 World NTDs Day, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to supporting regional efforts to eliminate the diseases.
“NTDs must not be ignored. Their elimination is an imperative of social justice for the world,” he said, noting that addressing the diseases goes beyond health and touches on equity, dignity and development.
The Government of Benin, which is hosting the forum, highlighted the importance of sustainable domestic financing to maintain progress in combating NTDs.
Deputy Cabinet Director at the Ministry of Health, Assavedo Sibylle, called for increased contributions from local organisations and development partners, while emphasising the media’s role in influencing policy priorities and budget allocations.
She said journalists play a crucial role in raising public awareness and generating political will to sustain funding for NTD elimination programmes.
The two-day forum will conclude with an awards ceremony sponsored by Dr. Michel Sidibe, African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency and former Executive Director of UNAIDS.
Major development partners, including Speak Up Africa, the Gates Foundation and the Raoul Follereau Foundation, are supporting this year’s REMAPSEN Media Forum.