Khadijah Aliyu -Nigeria
Stakeholders in the health sector have identified lack of awareness, inadequate resource mobilization, limited access to treatment, and stigmatization as major challenges confronting the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Africa.
These issues were highlighted during a panel discussion titled “Status of NTDs in Africa: Data, Progress, Challenges and Opportunities” at the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum.
Media Critical to Ending Discrimination Against People Living With NTDs-Experts
Panelists at the session,stressed that poverty remains a critical driver of NTDs, noting that most affected populations live in remote and underserved areas lacking basic social and health facilities.
According to the panelists, poverty not only exposes people to NTDs but also limits their ability to seek timely government intervention and access healthcare services, thereby worsening the disease burden.
Speaking on efforts by the Benin Republic Government, the panel revealed that the country’s National Assembly has passed a law aimed at eliminating NTDs, pledging to integrate all necessary measures to ensure its effective implementation.
They also disclosed that the government has increased budgetary allocation for NTDs from two billion to four billion, signaling stronger political commitment to the fight against the diseases.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the forum, REMAPSEN President, Mr. Youssouf Bamba, said NTDs disproportionately affect remote, poor, and underserved communities, further entrenching cycles of poverty and marginalization.
He explained that the diseases are described as “neglected” not because they are rare, but because they have historically received insufficient attention, funding, and prioritization at both national and international levels.
“Unlike high-profile diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria, NTDs often remain invisible to decision-makers, donors, and even the media,” Bamba noted.
He stated that the forum aims to celebrate Africa’s remarkable achievements in combating NTDs, while showcasing the return on investment of NTD programmes and positioning Africa’s progress as one of the world’s most underreported global health success stories.
According to him, the forum also seeks to highlight opportunities and challenges in NTD elimination, with emphasis on innovative domestic financing, integration of services, research and development, and the broader social and economic impact of eliminating NTDs.
Bamba added that the discussions would help position NTD elimination as central to poverty reduction and development priorities, including education, climate change response, and pandemic preparedness.
He further explained that the forum is designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report accurately and compellingly on NTDs, encourage the production of high-quality media content that informs and inspires action, and promote collaboration among journalists, health professionals, researchers, policymakers, partners, and other key stakeholders.