The Modern Art Museum / Gebre Kristos Desta Center in Addis Ababa has opened its doors to “Reframing Neglect: Africa Tour,” a powerful photography exhibition that spotlights the often-overlooked impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the African continent. Running from April 24 to May 27, 2025, the exhibition is a collaboration between The END Fund and Aida Muluneh Studio, with support from Reaching the Last Mile.
Curated and creatively directed by renowned Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh, the exhibition features 54 compelling works by six acclaimed African photographers. Using a blend of fine art and documentary photography, the collection offers an intimate look at the lived experiences of communities affected by NTDs—diseases that impact 1.7 billion people worldwide, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, especially women and girls.
The “Reframing Neglect” series has already reached millions globally, with previous showings at prestigious venues including the United Nations Headquarters in New York and The Africa Center in Harlem, New York. Its arrival in Addis Ababa marks a significant moment, bringing these critical narratives closer to the communities most affected and encouraging local engagement and advocacy.
The exhibition explores themes such as gender equity, psychological impact, mobility challenges, and disparities in healthcare access. The featured photographers—Aïda Muluneh (Ethiopia), Meseret Argaw (Ethiopia), Mustafa Saeed (Somalia), Sarah Waiswa (Uganda/Kenya), John Kalapo (Mali), Omoregie Osakpolor (Nigeria), and Ala Kheir (Sudan)—bring diverse perspectives and artistic visions, creating a multifaceted portrayal of the social and economic consequences of NTDs.
Aida Muluneh’s curatorial approach uses bold colors and layered narratives to challenge stereotypes and provoke deeper reflection on the realities faced by those living with NTDs. Her work, and that of her colleagues, seeks to shift perceptions and inspire action toward the elimination of these preventable and treatable diseases.
The END Fund, a leading philanthropic initiative dedicated to ending NTDs, is the driving force behind the exhibition. The organization mobilizes resources, manages high-impact investments, and collaborates with governments, NGOs, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions to combat these diseases and improve health outcomes in affected communities.
“Reframing Neglect: Africa Tour” not only raises awareness but also serves as a call to action, urging policymakers, health leaders, and the public to prioritize the fight against NTDs. By leveraging the evocative power of visual storytelling, the exhibition aims to challenge prevailing perceptions and catalyze collective efforts toward a healthier, more equitable future for all Africans.
