Ghana to host 2026 REMAPSEN Media Forum as nation coordinator, journalist wins award in Cotonou – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefJanuary 31, 20264 Mins read17
Ghana to Host 2026 REMAPSEN Media Forum as Nation Coordinator, Journalist Wins Award in Cotonou
Introduction
Ghana has emerged as a leading force in African health and environmental journalism, earning top honors at the 2025 REMAPSEN Media Forum and Awards in Cotonou, Benin. The nation will now host the prestigious 2026 edition in Accra, building on its recognition as the “Most Committed Country in REMAPSEN 2025.” This achievement highlights Ghana’s growing influence in promoting health awareness and environmental advocacy across the continent.
Key Points
- Ghana won the "Most Committed Country" award and will host the 2026 REMAPSEN Media Forum in Accra
- Ghanaian journalist Emefa Ewoenam Atiamoah-Eli received the Best Journalist in Health Reporting (Radio Category) award
- The 2025 forum coincided with World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, emphasizing the critical role of media in health advocacy
- REMAPSEN represents a pan-African network dedicated to strengthening health and environmental journalism
- The event featured participation from major development partners including the Gates Foundation and WHO
Background
REMAPSEN (Réseau des Médias Africains pour la Promotion de la Santé et de l’Environnement) was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a continental network of journalists committed to advancing health and environmental reporting. The organization has grown to include journalists from multiple African nations, providing training, resources, and platforms for impactful storytelling.
The 2025 REMAPSEN Media Forum and Awards, held from January 28-30 in Cotonou, Benin, brought together journalists, health experts, and development partners to discuss critical issues affecting African communities. The event strategically aligned with World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day on January 30, highlighting the ongoing challenges of diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations across the continent.
Analysis
Ghana’s recognition as the “Most Committed Country” reflects the nation’s consistent engagement with REMAPSEN’s mission and its active participation in health and environmental advocacy. The Michel Sidibé Prize awarded to Ghana acknowledges sustained institutional support and leadership in promoting public health through media channels.
The selection of Ghana as the 2026 host demonstrates the country’s capacity to facilitate meaningful dialogue on health and environmental issues. Accra will provide an ideal setting for deepening discussions on reproductive health, family planning, climate resilience, and health communication strategies that can be replicated across Africa.
The timing of the awards ceremony during World NTD Day was strategic, as it placed journalists at the center of advocacy efforts to combat diseases that often receive limited media attention. This alignment underscores the critical role of media in shaping public health narratives and driving policy changes.
Practical Advice
For journalists covering health and environmental issues in Africa, the REMAPSEN model offers valuable lessons:
1. **Build specialized expertise**: Focus on developing deep knowledge in specific health and environmental topics to provide authoritative reporting.
2. **Collaborate across borders**: Engage with journalists from other African countries to share resources, perspectives, and best practices.
3. **Translate complex information**: Work to make scientific and policy data accessible to general audiences through clear, compelling storytelling.
4. **Partner with experts**: Build relationships with health professionals, environmental scientists, and policy makers to ensure accurate reporting.
5. **Advocate for vulnerable communities**: Prioritize stories that highlight the challenges faced by marginalized populations and drive policy attention to their needs.
FAQ
What is REMAPSEN?
REMAPSEN stands for Réseau des Médias Africains pour la Promotion de la Santé et de l’Environnement (African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment). It’s a pan-African network of journalists established in 2020 to strengthen media capacity and promote reporting on health and environmental issues across the continent.
Why was Ghana chosen to host the 2026 REMAPSEN Media Forum?
Ghana was selected due to its demonstrated leadership, consistency, and commitment to REMAPSEN’s mission. The country received the “Most Committed Country in REMAPSEN 2025” award and has shown sustained engagement in health and environmental advocacy through media channels.
Who won the Best Journalist in Health Reporting award?
Emefa Ewoenam Atiamoah-Eli of PleasureNews, who also serves as the West and Central Africa Regional Coordinator for REMAPSEN, won the Best Journalist in Health Reporting award in the Radio Category.
What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)?
Neglected Tropical Diseases are a group of preventable and treatable diseases that affect over one billion people globally, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They include diseases like dengue, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and schistosomiasis, which often receive limited attention and funding despite their significant impact on communities.
How can journalists get involved with REMAPSEN?
Journalists interested in joining REMAPSEN can connect through the organization’s website or social media channels. The network regularly offers training programs, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration on health and environmental reporting projects.
Conclusion
Ghana’s success at the 2025 REMAPSEN Media Forum and its selection as the 2026 host represents a significant milestone in African health and environmental journalism. The recognition of Emefa Ewoenam Atiamoah-Eli and the country’s overall achievement underscores the vital role that quality journalism plays in advancing public health and environmental protection across the continent.
As Ghana prepares to host the 2026 forum in Accra, the event promises to further strengthen Africa-led conversations on critical issues including reproductive health, family planning, climate resilience, and effective health communication. The continued growth of REMAPSEN demonstrates the power of collaborative journalism in addressing complex health and environmental challenges facing African communities.
The success of this initiative also highlights the importance of sustained partnerships between media organizations, development partners, and public health institutions in creating lasting impact through informed reporting and advocacy.
Sources
– REMAPSEN Official Communications
– Life Pulse Daily Coverage
– African Union Health Communications
– World Health Organization Regional Office Reports
– Gates Foundation Health Media Initiatives
– Speak Up Africa Health Advocacy Programs
– Galien Africa Health Innovation Network
*Note: This article is based on information available as of January 31, 2026. For the most current information about REMAPSEN and upcoming events, please refer to official REMAPSEN communications.*
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