Journalists from 35 African countries will gather in Abidjan this November to discuss neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a public health issue that continues to receive limited attention.
The event was announced during a press conference on Friday, May 30, 2025, by the African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN).
Themed “Media Contribution to Positioning the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa,” the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum is scheduled for November 25 to 27, 2025, in Abidjan. Journalists from Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone, Hispanophone, and Arabophone regions are expected to attend.
According to Mr. Bamba Youssouf, Chairman of REMAPSEN’s Board of Directors: “Organizing 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.”
Mr. Coulibaly Zié Oumar, REMAPSEN’s Executive Director, added: “This forum aims to break the media silence surrounding NTDs.”
National health officials also addressed journalists. Dr. Djè Ngoran Norbert, who coordinates Côte d’Ivoire’s national program against NTDs with preventive chemotherapy, and Dr. Dizoé, who oversees the country’s leprosy elimination efforts, spoke on the situation in the country.
“The media are a bridge between scientific knowledge and public understanding,” said Dr. Djè. “We must use them to move the fight against NTDs from the margins to the mainstream.”
The 2025 forum is supported by organizations including Speak Up Africa and Sightsavers, whose representatives reaffirmed their involvement.
REMAPSEN will also hold the 4th edition of the REMAPSEN Awards, which includes the Michel Sidibé Prizes, aimed at recognizing health and environmental journalism.
Mrs. Line Renée Batongué, a journalist at CRTV in Cameroon and Director of the Awards, said: “These prizes celebrate the commitment of African journalists and countries that have demonstrated excellence in communicating and implementing public health programs.”
Brands on a Mission, led by Professor Myriam Sidibé, is contributing financial and technical support to the awards.
Mr. Yao Daniel, Deputy Director of Press at the Autonomous District of Abidjan, noted that Mr. Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, Minister-Governor of the District, will serve as President of the REMAPSEN Awards ceremony on November 27, 2025.
Mr. Agnéro Alphonse Renaud, speaking for the Ministry of Health, said “Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba, President of the media forum, is pleased to welcome the 70 foreign journalists to Abidjan. Their participation will undoubtedly help elevate public discourse on neglected tropical diseases.”
