The East African country of Kenya has eliminated human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated. In addition, it the tenth country to reach this important milestone and the second country, after Rwanda, to eliminate the rhodesiense form of the disease as a public health problem.
“This validation marks a major public health milestone for Kenya, as we celebrate the elimination of a deadly disease in our country. The achievement will not only protect our people but also pave the way for renewed economic growth and prosperity,” said Dr Aden Duale, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health. “This follows many years of dedication, hard work and collaboration”.
HAT is a vector-borne disease caused by the blood parasite Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of tsetse flies that have acquired the parasites from infected humans or animals. Rural populations dependent on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry or hunting are most at risk of exposure.
As the name indicates, HAT is transmitted only on the African continent. The disease exists in two forms, gambiense and rhodesiense. The rhodesiense form (r-HAT), which is found in eastern and southern Africa, is the only one present in Kenya. It is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and progresses rapidly, invading multiple organs including the brain. Without treatment, it is fatal within weeks.
Kenya’s elimination of sleeping sickness as a public health problem is a testament to what can be achieved through sustained public health action and innovative partnerships,’ said Professor Samuel Kariuki, Continental Lead for Africa and Eastern Africa Director at DNDi. ‘This achievement is a proud moment not only for Kenya but for the entire continent. It reflects the progress Africa is making toward combatting NTDs.’
Kenya’s victory demonstrates the critical role of continued innovation in sustaining public health gains. Advances in treatment, such as safer, oral therapies, and in diagnostic and vector surveillance tools have transformed the way sleeping sickness is managed, making it easier to detect and treat cases early. Expanding access to these tools will help ensure health systems remain equipped to prevent resurgence and maintain elimination.
HAT is the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in Kenya: the country was certified free of Guinea worm disease in 2018.