Published: January 31, 2026
COTONOU, Benin – The 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum has renewed focus on Africa’s fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with health stakeholders highlighting poverty, stigma, low awareness, and limited funding as critical barriers to elimination across the continent.
Poverty and Stigma: Major Barriers to NTD Elimination
During a panel discussion titled “Status of NTDs in Africa: Data, Progress, Challenges and Opportunities,” experts noted that NTDs disproportionately affect poor and underserved communities. Most affected populations live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and social services.
Panelists emphasized that poverty not only exposes people to NTDs but also limits their ability to seek timely treatment, worsening the disease burden and reinforcing cycles of social and economic hardship.
“NTDs are neglected not because they are rare, but because they historically receive insufficient attention and funding,” said REMAPSEN President Youssouf Bamba. “Unlike HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria, these diseases often remain invisible to decision-makers, donors, and even the media.”
National Commitment: Benin Steps Up
The panel highlighted Benin’s efforts to tackle NTDs, noting that the National Assembly recently passed legislation aimed at eliminating these diseases. The government has also doubled its NTD budget allocation from two billion to four billion, signaling stronger political commitment to addressing the challenge.
These measures, panelists said, reflect a growing recognition that eliminating NTDs is central to broader poverty reduction and development goals.
Forum Spotlight: Data, Progress, and Innovation
The 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum, themed “From Neglect to Spotlight: Driving Africa’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Agenda,” brought together journalists, health experts, policymakers, researchers, and development partners.
The forum celebrated Africa’s achievements in fighting NTDs, highlighting the return on investment in programs while addressing challenges such as resource mobilization, service integration, research and development, and social impacts of disease elimination.
Bamba explained that the forum also strengthens journalists’ capacity to report on NTDs accurately and compellingly, encouraging media content that informs, inspires action, and promotes collaboration across stakeholders.
Media as a Catalyst for Change
A major theme throughout the forum was the media’s role in combating stigma and raising awareness. Panelists emphasized that high-quality reporting could mobilize public support, attract private-sector investment, and drive innovative advocacy initiatives.
A second session, “Equity, Innovation and Sports: Serving Communities for the Elimination of NTDs,” highlighted creative approaches to NTD elimination. Moderated by Ghanaian journalist Emefa Ama Atiamoah, the panel featured:
- Sophietou Diop, Partnership Director, Speak Up Africa
- Ian Mahinmi, French-Beninese NBA Champion and Founder of I AM Foundation
- Roch Christian Johnson, Medical Adviser, Raoul Follereau Foundation
Diop urged journalists to combine technical expertise with creative advocacy to engage philanthropists and private-sector actors in supporting elimination programs.
Mahinmi highlighted the power of sports as a tool for awareness, early detection, treatment promotion, and fundraising. “Athletes and youth-led initiatives can break barriers, reduce stigma, and drive meaningful change,” he said.
Johnson emphasized tactical disease screening, psychological support for affected populations, and sustainable funding as crucial to reducing the NTD burden. He urged governments to invest in healthcare services and address social determinants that increase vulnerability to NTDs.
Looking Forward: From Neglect to Spotlight
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to elevate NTD elimination as a continental development priority. By strengthening media coverage, mobilizing resources, and integrating innovative approaches, stakeholders aim to accelerate progress toward a future where NTDs no longer hold back Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
The 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum successfully showcased Africa’s achievements while laying out practical strategies to overcome challenges, positioning NTD elimination as both a public health and socio-economic imperative.
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