Neglected tropical diseases : a network of champions launched to strengthen the fight and accelerate their elimination in Burkina Faso

On July 12, 2024, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s network of champions for the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) was launched. The aim of this network is to strengthen and encourage the country’s commitment to the fight against NTDs. Organized by Speak Up Africa, with the support of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), this initiative is part of the project to strengthen strategic communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement in support of the National Program for the Fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (PNMTN).

A forum for champions

This group of five champions will advocate, influence the prioritization and mobilization of resources, and raise public awareness of the importance of the fight against NTDs, thanks to their visibility and influence. They will also contribute to initiatives aimed at informing the public about prevention measures, symptoms and treatment of these diseases.

The meeting created a framework for exchange between the champions and stakeholders. It was an opportunity to present the five committed champions and their engagement plans to stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, technical and financial partners, and civil society organizations, members of the #NonAux MTN CSO coalition.

Champions’ commitment

Present at the meeting as political champion, alongside Ms Cécile Beloum, community champion, and Mr Mahamadi Ouédraogo, media champion, the Minister of Health, Dr Kargougou, expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting these efforts so that Burkina Faso can eliminate neglected tropical diseases. He congratulated Speak Up Africa and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) for this initiative and their commitment to this crucial fight.

Ms. Cécile Beloum also pledged to include more neglected tropical diseases in her programs, and to seize every opportunity to advocate and raise awareness of the importance of defeating these treatable and preventable diseases.

As for Mahamadi Ouédraogo, he noted that his trump card is his tool of choice “his microphone”. Convinced that authentic information distilled in the community can make a difference, he pledged to play his role as media champion to the full.

Alongside these three champions, Dr Diedon Alain Hien, Secretary General of the private health sector associations and member of the Assemblée Nationale de la Transition (ALT), and Mr Hugues Fabrice Zango, a professional athlete, are the other two champions involved.

Strengthening communication and advocacy together

This initiative is part of the partnership between Speak Up Africa and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), to strengthen strategic communication and advocacy efforts to support the mobilization of national resources for the control and elimination of NTDs, namely Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. Kenya and Senegal. Together, with the support of champions, health authorities and partners, it is possible to make considerable progress towards the eradication of NTDs, thereby improving public health and the living conditions of the populations most affected.

For further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa7llUHLCsM Roukiattou Ouédraogo, Speak Up Africa Coordinator, in Burkina Faso