A coalition of advocacy organisations and media stakeholders is rallying to draw attention to the persistent threat of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across Africa.

Speak Up Africa, Sightsavers, Brands On A Mission, and REMAPSEN are joining forces to elevate public discourse and action on this critical health issue.

Their collaboration will be showcased at the 4th Media Forum, scheduled to take place from November 25 to 27, 2025, under the theme: "Media Contribution to Positioning the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Africa."

The Forum will take place in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast.

As a key partner, Speak Up Africa underscores the importance of media in shaping public health outcomes.

Mr. Papa Djibril Faye, Health Advocacy Officer at Speak Up Africa, emphasised that "the media have a critical role to play in education, awareness, and mobilising resources."

He pledged that through the 4th Media Forum, Speak Up Africa aims to "equip REMAPSEN journalists with the tools to strengthen media coverage around NTDs and become powerful advocacy allies with accessible, factual narratives."

In a recorded message shared during the May 30th press launch, Professor Myriam Sidibé, Founding President of Brands On A Mission (BOAM), the principal partner of the REMAPSEN Awards, elaborated on her organisation’s mission.

BOAM operates at the crossroads of health and sustainable development, and according to Prof. Sidibé, "the Brands On a Mission is therefore perfectly aligned with REMAPSEN's objectives."

She emphasised the transformative power of storytelling in behaviour change.

"We believe that narrative is one of the most powerful tools for changing behaviours and ultimately, systems. Through the REMAPSEN Awards, we are proud to celebrate and invest each year in the voices of African journalists, particularly young people who shape narratives that drive progress."

Professor Sidibé also added that the partnership is part of the African Voices initiative, which amplifies local solutions and celebrates changemakers in health, climate, and development.

"BOAM expects from journalists a solution-oriented approach that highlights challenges and innovations emerging locally," Professor Sidibé added.

In his message, Mr. Simon Bush, Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases at Sightsavers, reaffirmed the organisation's support. He indicated that Sightsavers is proud to partner with REMAPSEN on this important media forum in Abidjan.

While NTDs are preventable, they continue to impact over a billion people worldwide. Our work supports African health ministries in controlling and eliminating five major NTDs: trachoma, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and intestinal worms.

In stressing the media’s role in maintaining momentum, Mr. Bush noted that at a time when global health gains are at risk, journalists play a vital role in holding governments accountable to their commitments and in breaking the stigma that prevents people from seeking treatment.

"At a time when many recent advances in global health are threatened, journalists have an essential role to play in holding governments accountable for their commitments to NTD elimination.

"Journalists can also share the stories of people affected by NTDs to break the stigma associated with these diseases and encourage patients to come forward for treatment," he said.