Stop Pity Narratives: African Media Call to Reframe Neglected Tropical Diseases Stories for Hope and Dignity

Published: November 25, 2025

Introduction

In the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), African media leaders are issuing a powerful call: stop the pity narratives. At the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum, experts urged journalists to reframe stories about these overlooked tropical illnesses from images of despair to narratives of hope, dignity, and real progress. This shift aims to combat stigma, boost public engagement, and support Africa’s goal of NTD elimination.

The forum, themed “From Neglect to Spotlight: Advancing Africa’s Agenda for NTDs Elimination,” gathered over 100 journalists and featured partners like Speak Up Africa, Sightsavers, WHO Benin, Fondation Raoul Follereau, and CSIH-WCA. Understanding this call is crucial for anyone interested in public health communication, as media shapes perceptions of NTDs—affecting over 1 billion people globally, per WHO data, with Africa bearing a heavy burden.

Analysis

The demand to reframe NTD narratives stems from the recognition that traditional media portrayals often perpetuate stigma rather than solutions. Julius Omokhunu, Senior Media Officer for Inclusion at Sightsavers, highlighted how pity-focused images exclude affected individuals and undermine efforts. Instead, he advocates for stories that respect dignity and showcase successes as evidence of effective policies and investments.

Why Pity Narratives Fail

Pity-driven stories emphasize suffering, which can reinforce helplessness. This approach risks alienating communities, reducing funding appeal, and ignoring advancements like mass drug administration programs that have treated millions across Africa. By contrast, positive, accurate reporting fosters public support and policy commitment.

Media’s Pivotal Role in NTD Elimination

Dr. Christian Johnson, a public health expert, stressed media’s duty to spark debates and share research outcomes. With goals of zero transmission and zero stigma, journalists must elevate NTDs on agendas, translating complex data into compelling content that drives action.

Summary

The 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum marked a turning point in how African media covers neglected tropical diseases. Speakers challenged pity-based storytelling, promoting dignified narratives that highlight continental progress toward NTD elimination. Key partners emphasized collaboration between media, civil society, and health organizations to amplify community voices and sustain momentum for a stigma-free, NTD-free Africa.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For journalists and communicators covering tropical diseases stigma and NTDs, here are actionable steps to reframe narratives effectively:

Adopt Dignity-First Storytelling

Interview affected individuals as experts in their experiences, not victims. Use quotes that emphasize resilience, such as personal triumphs over diseases like lymphatic filariasis or onchocerciasis through treatment programs.

Highlight Data and Progress

Incorporate verifiable metrics: For instance, WHO reports show Africa has reduced NTD prevalence through initiatives like the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN). Frame stories around these wins to demonstrate investment returns.

Build Partnerships

Collaborate with CSOs for grassroots insights. Structured engagements, as Ndow suggested, ensure rural voices reach urban audiences, enhancing authenticity.

Use Visuals Wisely

Avoid dehumanizing images; opt for photos showing community health workers distributing treatments or celebrations of milestone achievements.

Promote Research Sharing

Regularly feature studies on NTD innovations, like new diagnostics or vaccines in development, to keep audiences informed and optimistic.

Points of Caution

While reframing NTD stories, avoid pitfalls that could undermine credibility:

• Over-Optimism: Balance hope with realities; ignoring challenges like access barriers in remote areas erodes trust.
• Stigma Reinforcement: Even “positive” stories must avoid othering affected people—always center their agency.
• PR Perception: As Omokhunu noted, successes are evidence, not spin; back claims with data from sources like WHO or national health ministries.
• Audience Fatigue: Vary formats—podcasts, infographics—to sustain interest in NTD elimination efforts.

Comparison

Comparing old versus new approaches to NTD narratives in African media reveals stark differences:

Traditional Pity Narratives vs. Dignified Progress Stories

Africa vs. Global NTD Coverage

African media’s proactive shift contrasts with some global outlets that still default to dramatic suffering tales. Locally driven reframing aligns better with WHO’s NTD Roadmap 2021-2030, targeting 100 countries for elimination.

Legal Implications

No direct legal mandates govern media framing of NTDs, but ethical journalism standards apply. In many African nations, press freedom laws (e.g., under constitutions like Nigeria’s Section 39) protect reporting, provided it avoids defamation or misinformation. Health communication must align with WHO guidelines to prevent public harm, such as stigma that could violate anti-discrimination laws in contexts like disability rights under the UNCRPD, ratified by most African states.

Conclusion

The REMAPSEN Media Forum’s call to stop pity narratives and reframe neglected tropical diseases stories is a clarion for transformative change. By embracing dignity, evidence, and collaboration, African media can propel the continent toward zero NTD transmission and stigma. This isn’t just better storytelling—it’s a strategic tool for health equity, urging journalists to reflect Africa’s true progress in the battle against these overlooked tropical illnesses.

As partnerships strengthen and narratives evolve, the path to an NTD-free Africa becomes clearer, proving that words and images wield power equal to medicines.

FAQ

Sources

• Original report: “Stop the pity narratives”: African media prompt to reframe tales on overlooked tropical illnesses (Multimedia Group Limited, November 25, 2025).
• WHO NTD Factsheet: who.int (Accessed 2025).
• ESPEN Progress Reports: espen.afro.who.int.
• Sightsavers Media Resources: Official statements from Julius Omokhunu.
• REMAPSEN Forum Documentation: Partners including Speak Up Africa, CSIH-WCA.