In News:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Kenya as free from human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, marking it the 10th African nation to eliminate the disease as a public health problem (August 2025). This is Kenya’s second victory against a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) after eliminating guinea worm disease in 2018.

About Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)

• Cause: A vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma brucei.
• Vector: Spread by the bite of infected tsetse flies (Glossina spp.).
• Types:
  • T.b.gambiense (West & Central Africa): Chronic, slow-progressing form.
  • T.b. rhodesiense (East & Southern Africa): Acute, fast-progressing form (present in Kenya).
• Symptoms:
  • First stage: Fever, headache, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.
  • Second stage: Parasites invade the central nervous system → confusion, behavioural changes, loss of coordination, and disrupted sleep cycle.
• Fatal if untreated, though effective drugs exist (pentamidine, suramin, fexinidazole, nifurtimox–eflornithine, melarsoprol), supplied free by WHO.

Kenya’s Journey

• History: First detected in early 20th century; no indigenous cases since 2009. Last imported cases reported in 2012 (Masai Mara).
• Control measures:
  • Strengthened disease surveillance in 12 facilities across 6 endemic counties (Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kwale).
  • Upgraded laboratories, diagnostic capacity, and trained personnel.
  • Controlled tsetse flies and animal trypanosomiasis with veterinary support.
• Partnerships: WHO, Kenya’s Ministry of Health, FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics), and community engagement played key roles.

Global Context

• WHO’s NTD Road Map 2021–2030: Target—100 countries to eliminate at least one NTD by 2030.
• So far, 57 countries (including Burundi, Senegal) have achieved elimination of at least one NTD.
• However, cuts in international funding threaten progress, risking resurgence in vulnerable areas.
• Success is critical for meeting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly the target of ending epidemics of NTDs by 2030.