By Muniratu Akweley Issah, GNA
Cotonou, Benin, Feb. 4, GNA – Mr Bamba Youssouf, the President of the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), has underscored the significant role of the media in eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Africa.
He said journalists were “drivers of social change,” hence their active involvement in the elimination efforts was essential.
Speaking at the opening of the Fourth REMAPSEN Forum on NTDs in Cotonou, Benin, Mr Youssouf said the continued global struggle against Neglected Tropical Diseases reflected the insufficient media involvement.
“If we are still talking about eliminating NTDs today, it is because the media have not been actively involved,” he said, and urged sustained support to enable journalists to give greater visibility to what are often called “diseases of the poor.”
“The fight against NTDs cannot succeed without the strong involvement of the media,” he added.
NTDs comprise about 20 illnesses, including guinea worm, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), and onchocerciasis (river blindness).
They are a group of communicable illnesses that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa.
These diseases cause severe disfigurement, chronic pain, disability, stigma, and even death. More than one billion people globally are at risk, with Africa bearing over 40 per cent of the burden.
NTDs are considered “neglected” not because they are rare, but because they have historically received insufficient attention and funding on health agendas.
According to stakeholders, although Ghana, Togo, and Benin have successfully eliminated four NTDs, efforts needed to be enhanced to eradicate others.
Thirty journalists from across Africa, development partners and health stakeholders participated in the forum.
Dr Konan Kouamé Jean, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Resident Representative in Benin, reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to supporting the regional fight and said eliminating NTDs was 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.
Madam Assavedo Sibylle, Deputy Cabinet Director at the Ministry of Health, called for stronger support from local organisations and partners to sustain the gains made in the fight against NTDs.
She emphasised the role of journalists in raising visibility to influence budgetary allocations for NTD elimination.
The two-day event was climaxed with an awards ceremony sponsored by Dr. Michel Sidibe, AU Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency and former UNAIDS Executive Director.
Development partners, including Speak-Up Africa, the Gates Foundation, and the Raoul Follereau Foundation supported this year’s REMAPSEN Media Forum.
Ms Emefa Atiamoah Eli, Joy News Editor at the Multimedia Group, who is also the Country Coordinator for REMAPSEN Ghana, was named Best Journalist in Health Reporting – Radio Category among her peers from the region.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe