Khadijah Aliyu -Nigeria
As part of efforts to strengthen its partnership with the Galien Africa initiative, the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN) has organized a webinar on the upcoming 8th Galien Forum Africa and the 5th Prix Galien Africa.
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The virtual session, themed “Organization of the 8th Galien Forum Africa and the 5th Prix Galien Africa,” brought together journalists, media professionals, and health experts across the continent to discuss preparations for the landmark event.
In his welcome address, Mr. Bamba Youssouf, President of REMAPSEN, emphasized the importance of building the capacity of African journalists and media professionals to effectively report on health and environmental issues.
He outlined REMAPSEN’s core objectives, which include:
Enhancing the capacity of journalists in health and environmental communication;
Promoting knowledge sharing through impactful media content;
Supporting collaborative research and innovation; and
Integrating media communication into public health and environmental strategies across all levels.
Mr. Youssouf announced that, as part of the partnership, REMAPSEN will provide media coverage for the upcoming Forum Galien Africa and Prix Galien Africa, scheduled to hold from October 28 to 31, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal, under the theme “Health Sovereignty: An Imperative for Africa.”
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He added that the network will also publish official press releases for Galien Africa’s events and co-organize webinars focused on health and environmental awareness.
Speaking during the session, Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck, Chairperson of the Galien Africa and former Minister of State to the President of Senegal, explained that this year’s theme—“Health Sovereignty: An Imperative for Africa” was carefully chosen to reflect Africa’s current health realities and the need to develop sustainable, homegrown solutions.
For the eighth consecutive time, the Galien Forum Africa will take place in Senegal. From October 28 to 31, 2025, Dakar will become the African capital of health, innovation, and the leadership of women and youth.
This year’s forum will focus on highlighting the continent’s drive toward self-reliance in healthcare systems, research, and innovation.
The event will also feature the presentation of the Prix Galien Africa awards for the fifth time, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations in the field of health across the continent.
Professor Seck noted that the forum will attract top government officials, health experts, members of REMAPSEN, and key stakeholders from across the continent.
Also speaking, Dr. John Nkengasong, Executive Director of Higher Education, Collaboratives, and Strategic Initiatives at the Mastercard Foundation, and Co-Chair of the Jury for the Prix Galien Africa, highlighted the rigorous process through which the jury evaluates and selects award winners.
“Applications are first screened by category before a shortlist is presented to the jury, which then reviews, deliberates, and finalizes the selection of winners to be submitted to the Galien Forum.
Dr. Nkengasong also discussed the challenges facing research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, citing inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, shortage of skilled human capital, and restrictive regulatory frameworks as major barriers.
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“Global aid to the continent is declining; this should serve as an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its capacity in research and innovation, and to build a more resilient health architecture.”
The session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Bamba Youssouf, where members of REMAPSEN engaged with Professor Awa and Dr. Nkengasong on strategies for improving research visibility, innovation, and media advocacy in Africa’s health sector.