The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Kenya for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health issue. This achievement positions Kenya as the tenth country to reach this significant milestone. Notably, HAT is the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in Kenya, following the country’s certification as free of Guinea worm disease in 2018.

“I congratulate the government and people of Kenya on this landmark achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,WHO Director-General. “Kenya joins the growing ranks of countries freeing their populations of human African trypanosomiasis. This is another step towards making Africa free of neglected tropical diseases”.

HAT is a vector-borne illness caused by the Trypanosoma brucei parasite.It is indeed transmitted to humans via the bites of tsetse flies, which acquire the parasites from infected humans or animals. Those living in rural areas and whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, or hunting face the highest risk of exposure.

As the name suggests, HAT is exclusive to the African continent and presents in two forms: gambiense and rhodesiense.The rhodesiense form (r-HAT), prevalent in eastern and southern Africa, is the only form found in Kenya. It is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and progresses rapidly, affecting multiple organs, including the brain. Without