Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – The African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN) is preparing to host a pivotal event that could shift the narrative on one of the continent’s most persistent health challenges—Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). At a press conference held in Abidjan on May 30, 2025, REMAPSEN announced plans for the 4th edition of its African Media Forum on NTDs, scheduled for November 25–27, 2025.
With journalists from 35 African countries—spanning Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, Arabophone, and Hispanophone regions—expected to gather, the forum aims to transform the media’s engagement with NTDs, elevating them from obscurity to a continental priority.
Breaking the Silence
“Organising this forum is an opportunity to bring NTDs out of their state of neglect and place them among priority subjects in media information processing in Africa,” said Mr. Bamba Youssouf, Chairman of REMAPSEN’s Board. The forum will operate under the theme: “Media Contribution to Positioning the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa.”
Mr. Coulibaly Zié Oumar, REMAPSEN’s Executive Director, emphasized the urgency: “This forum aims to break the media silence surrounding NTDs.” According to the WHO, NTDs affect over 1.5 billion people globally, many of whom live in Africa, yet they remain underreported in the mainstream press.
Voices from the Field
Key figures in Côte d’Ivoire’s national health programs endorsed the initiative. Dr. Djè Ngoran Norbert, Coordinator of the national program for preventive chemotherapy against NTDs, and Dr. Dizoé, head of the national leprosy elimination program, provided updates on their work and highlighted the importance of media in advocacy and public awareness.
The Ministry of Health of Côte d’Ivoire pledged full support, with Mr. Agnéro Alphonse Renaud, NTDs representative at the Communication Directorate, affirming Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba’s commitment to the event. “We look forward to welcoming 70 foreign journalists who will help amplify this critical issue across the continent,” he said.
Institutional and International Support
REMAPSEN’s efforts are being backed by several key partners, including Speak Up Africa and Sightsavers, both active in the continental fight against NTDs. Endorsements from these organisations were publicly read during the launch, reinforcing the importance of multisectoral collaboration.
Honoring Journalistic Excellence
In parallel with the forum, REMAPSEN will host the 4th REMAPSEN Awards, which recognise outstanding journalism in health and environmental reporting. Sponsored by Brands on a Mission, the Awards include the prestigious Michel Sidibé Prizes, named after the African Union’s Special Envoy for the Medicines Agency.
Line Renée Batongué, CRTV journalist and Awards Director, explained that the prizes also honour countries demonstrating strong engagement with REMAPSEN’s programs. Professor Myriam Sidibé, a global leader in health promotion, has reaffirmed her support for this year’s edition.
The Awards gala is set for Thursday, November 27, and will be chaired by Mr. Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, Minister-Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan.
Editor’s Note:
Neglected Tropical Diseases include ailments such as leprosy, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis—diseases that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised. By mobilising journalists from across Africa, REMAPSEN hopes to shine a light on these silent killers and drive policy change, resource allocation, and community awareness.
Stay tuned to AfricaNewsBits for in-depth coverage leading up to the November forum.
