Bukola Afeni
Individuals and organizations who demonstrated remarkable leadership in public health, sanitation and gender equality, and those who have had a positive impact on sustainable development in Africa, were rewarded at the fourth Speak Up Africa Leadership Award ceremony held in Dakar, Senegal.
The Head of Institutional Relations at CANAL International, Grace Loubassou, reiterated the company’s commitment to working alongside Speak Up Africa to make a greater impact in Africa.
“CANAL+ is very honoured to receive the Speak Up Africa Leadership Award in recognition of our commitment to the fight against malaria and gender equality on the continent.
“The group’s primary ambition is to contribute positively to the development of the local economy in the countries where CANAL+ operates. This can only be achieved when equal opportunities and well-being are ensured for all,” she added.
Key leaders and organizations who have distinguished themselves in 2022 through their leadership in sustainable development on the continent were given awards.
The annual award which was launched in 2019, recognizes and celebrates
Five individuals and organizations from various sectors. They were awarded for their commitment and achievements in the fight against malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and in advocating for universal access to sanitation and gender equality.
The individuals are, Dr. Ndeye Mbacké Kane, Coordinator of Senegal’s national neglected tropical diseases control Program. She was rewarded for her efforts in integrating the fight against
malaria and NTDs, as well as for her commitment to involving key stakeholders in the fight against NTDs in Senegal.
Prof. Ndioro Ndiaye, President of the Senegalese Advisory Council of the Voix
EssentiELLES initiative, and the Coordinator of the Francophone Network for Gender Equality. As a long-time champion of Speak Up Africa, Pr. Ndioro Ndiaye has been distinguished for her commitment to promoting gender equality in Africa.
The Honourable Aké Natondé, a Member of the National Assembly of Benin, was
rewarded for his support of the “Zero Malaria Businesses Leadership Initiative” and his key role in mobilizing national resources in the fight against malaria in Benin.
Khalilou Fadiga, former Senegalese international football player, FIFA and AFCON legend and Speak Up Africa’s champion, committed to the elimination of malaria, inclusion, and universal access to sanitation in Africa; and- CANAL+ Group, which has been working alongside Speak Up Africa since 2021, in the fight against malaria and the promotion of gender equality.
Khalilou Fadiga when receiving his award,
noted that sports, and more specifically football, is an excellent driver of values such as inclusion, resilience, empowerment and creativity, which are essential in solving public health problems.
“I am proud to team up with Speak Up Africa because the legacy of a professional athlete is not only measured by his or her athletic achievements but also by the impact he or she has in
improving people’s living conditions,” he said.
Speak Up Africa works with a multitude of partners from various sectors to effectively implement solutions to major public health, sanitation and gender issues in Africa.
