Khadijah Aliyu -Nigeria
The media has been identified as a critical catalyst in the global fight against stigmatization of people living with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), as stakeholders called for stronger advocacy, innovation, and inclusive financing strategies to accelerate elimination efforts in Africa.
This formed part of recommendations and experience-sharing during a panel discussion titled “Equity, Innovation and Sports: Serving Communities for the Elimination of NTDs” at the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs.
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The panel, moderated by veteran journalist Emefa Ama Atiamoah of the Multimedia Group, Ghana, featured Speak Up Africa’s Partnership Director, Sophietou Diop, Ian Dénagnon Mahinmi, French-Beninese international basketball player, Founder of I AM Foundation and the Raoul Follereau foundation medical adviser Mr Roch Christian Johnson.
Speaking during the session, Sophietou Diop urged journalists to go beyond traditional reporting by deliberately engaging philanthropists and private-sector actors to invest in Africa’s fight against NTDs.
She stressed the need for artistic and creative advocacy, combined with strong technical knowledge of NTDs, to effectively align media initiatives with elimination goals and achieve measurable impact.
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On his part, Ian Mahinmi called on the media to leverage sports as a strategic tool for financial resource mobilization in the fight against NTDs.
He emphasized the power of athletes and youth-led initiatives in driving sensitization against stigma, advocating for quality healthcare, and breaking barriers to funding through sporting activities and education.
According to the NBA champion, engaging young people and sports figures can enhance early detection, promote treatment-seeking behavior, and reduce discrimination against those affected by NTDs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson highlighted the importance of tactical disease screening as a strategy to prevent stigma and misconceptions associated with NTDs.
He called on governments and relevant stakeholders to provide psychological support and quality healthcare services to vulnerable populations.
He further emphasized that addressing social determinants, sustainable financing for treatment, and exploring alternative funding mechanisms remain the backbone of reducing the burden of NTDs across affected communities.
The 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs is themed “From Neglect to Spotlight: Driving Africa’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Agenda”, bringing together journalists, health experts, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to amplify Africa’s response to NTDs.