The African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN) has announced plans to convene a major media forum focused on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa.
The event, scheduled for November 25–27, 2025, in Abidjan, aims to raise awareness among journalists from 35 African countries and encourage more robust media coverage of NTDs.
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During a press conference on May 30, 2025, in Abidjan, Mr. Bamba Youssouf, Chairman of REMAPSEN’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of bringing NTDs “out of their state of neglect” and making them a priority in media reporting across the continent.
The forum, themed “Media Contribution to Positioning the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa,” will bring together journalists from Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone, Hispanophone, and Arabophone regions.
Mr. Coulibaly Zié Oumar, Executive Director of REMAPSEN, highlighted that the forum aims to “break the media silence surrounding NTDs.”
National Coordinating Directors of Côte d’Ivoire’s NTD programs, including Dr. Djè Ngoran Norbert and Dr. Dizoé, provided insights into the local NTD situation and praised the media’s crucial role in raising awareness and influencing policy.
The event is made possible thanks to the technical and financial support of partners such as Speak Up Africa and Sightsavers, both recognized for their commitment to combating NTDs.
Endorsements from these partners were read during the press conference, reaffirming their ongoing collaboration.
A key highlight of the forum will be the Michel Sidibé Prizes awarded annually to outstanding African journalists and the most proactive countries in implementing REMAPSEN’s activities.
Mrs. Line Renée Batongué of CRTV Cameroon, Director of the Awards, reminded attendees that these prizes aim to recognize excellence in health and environmental reporting.
Brands on a Mission,led by Professor Myriam Sidibé, is once again a key sponsor of the awards.
Mr. Yao Daniel, Deputy Director of Press at the Autonomous District of Abidjan, expressed delight at the appointment of Mr. Cissé Ibrahima Bacongo, Minister-Governor of Abidjan, as President of the awards ceremony set for November 27, 2025.
Closing the launch press conference, Mr. Agnéro Alphonse Renaud of the Ministry of Health’s Communication Directorate conveyed the full satisfaction of Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba, President of the media forum, in welcoming the 70 journalists from across Africa to Abidjan for this landmark event.