A critical anthropological evaluation of digital media based interventions for mycetoma in Sudan; the case of "Hope for a Devastating Neglected Disease" documentary film

Mycetoma, a disfiguring and debilitating neglected tropical disease (NTD), long languished in obscurity. Prior to 2013, limited research, ineffective treatments, and inadequate global recognition plagued the disease. However, a pivotal 2013 meeting in Geneva marked a turning point. Recognizing advocacy as a critical missing link, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) spearheaded efforts to raise awareness and address knowledge gaps. Scientific symposia, media coverage, and research collaborations, including the DNDi trial, paved the way for mycetoma inclusion in the 2016 WHO NTD list. This recognition spurred further global attention, research, and media engagement. This study delves into the role of digital media interventions in raising awareness and combating mycetoma neglect in Sudan. Employing an anthropological lens, we critically evaluate the production and impact of these interventions, focusing on a short promotional documentary film titled "Hope for a Devastating Neglected Disease." produced by DNDi in collaboration with a medical research center in Sudan; Produced in 2015 and made available on the DNDi's official YouTube channel Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). Through in-depth interviews with Sudanese film-makers and a public audience, we analyze the film's content, visual representation, and perceived effectiveness in addressing social and cultural factors contributing to mycetoma neglect. Our analysis sheds light on the complex interplay between digital media, global health initiatives, and local communities in the fight against NTDs. By critically examining the narratives and power dynamics embedded within these interventions, we contribute to a nuanced understanding of their potential and limitations in addressing public health challenges in the Global South, especially in Sudan. Our study suggests that digital media alone cannot bridge the chasm of global health disparities. Unveiling the neglect requires deeper, culturally sensitive anthropological insights to guide interventions that empower communities and truly advocate for the voiceless.