President of the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), Bamba Youssouf, has emphasised that the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) cannot be won without the active involvement of the media.
Speaking at the opening session of the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs in Benin’s capital city, Cotonou, Mr. Youssouf stressed that continued discussions about eliminating NTDs are a clear indication that the media has not been sufficiently engaged in the fight.
“If we are still talking about eliminating NTDs today, it is because the media has not been actively involved,” he noted.
He described the media as key drivers of social change, not mere spectators, and called for sustained support to enable journalists give greater visibility to what are commonly described as “diseases of the poor.”
Neglected Tropical Diseases comprise about 20 illnesses, including guinea worm, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), and onchocerciasis.
These diseases are prevalent mainly in rural and underserved communities. Ghana, Togo, and Benin have successfully eliminated four NTDs, with ongoing efforts to eliminate others.
More than 30 journalists from across Africa, alongside development partners and health stakeholders, are participating in this year’s forum.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Resident Representative in Benin, Dr. Konan Kouamé Jean, described the REMAPSEN Media Forum as a symbolic commemoration of the 2026 World NTDs Day.
He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the regional fight against NTDs, stressing that eliminating the diseases is a matter of social justice.
“NTDs must not be ignored. Their elimination is an imperative of social justice for the world,” he said.
The forum, hosted by the Government of Benin, also highlighted the need for sustainable domestic financing.
Deputy Cabinet Director at the Ministry of Health, Assavedo Sibylle, called for stronger support from local organisations and partners to sustain gains made in the fight against NTDs.
She underscored the role of journalists in increasing visibility to influence budgetary allocations for NTD elimination.
The two-day forum will climax with an awards ceremony sponsored by Dr. Sidibé, the African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency.
Development partners, including Speak-Up Africa, the Gates Foundation, and the Raoul Follereau Foundation, are among organisations supporting this year’s REMAPSEN Media Forum on Neglected Tropical Diseases.
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