The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Kenya as having eliminated human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This milestone makes Kenya the tenth country worldwide to reach this level of success—and underscores the sustained, decades-long effort behind it, according to The Star Kenya.
A long fight comes to a milestone
Sleeping sickness, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, is transmitted by tsetse flies and progresses rapidly—if untreated, it is usually fatal within weeks (WHO). Kenya’s trypanosomiasis battle stretches back to the early 20th century, with the last locally transmitted case reported in 2009, and the final two exported cases tied to the Maasai Mara reserve recorded in 2012, according to Kenya News Agency.
How Kenya achieved it
Kenya’s achievement reflects years of coordinated efforts:
- Enhanced surveillance and diagnostics: The country established 12 sentinel health facilities in six historically affected counties, equipping them with advanced diagnostic tools and training staff in sensitive tests for r-HAT (The Star).
- Vector and animal monitoring: Efforts to monitor and control tsetse fly populations and animal trypanosomiasis were scaled up, with support from the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC).
- Post-elimination preparedness: Kenya submitted its elimination dossier in 2023 and received WHO validation in June 2025. The country now implements a post-validation surveillance plan, supported by FIND, with WHO keeping a reserve of treatments from Bayer and Sanofi ready for quick response.
Recognition and shared success
At the celebration, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted that this achievement demonstrates Kenya’s leadership, scientific rigor, and community-driven action (Kenya News Agency). WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it “another step toward making Africa free of neglected tropical diseases.”
This is Kenya’s second victory over neglected tropical diseases, following the eradication of Guinea worm disease in 2018. With Kenya’s success, a total of ten countries—including Benin, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda—have now eliminated HAT as a public health problem. Overall, 57 countries have achieved elimination of at least one neglected tropical disease, according to Down to Earth.
Keeping elimination going
While this is a remarkable achievement, it is not the end of the story. Experts stress that HAT elimination does not mean eradication—rare cases may still arise. That makes ongoing vigilance essential. Kenya plans to maintain robust surveillance, strengthen integrated disease control, and invest in rapid response through its National Public Health Institute (NPHI).
Why it matters
Sleeping sickness was once a devastating rural scourge, causing confusion, coma, and death. Its elimination bolsters health security, protects vulnerable communities, and enables renewed economic development. Kenya’s success showcases how sustained political will, science, and community engagement can crush even the deadliest diseases (The Star).
Globally, this milestone contributes to the WHO’s Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030, which aims to eliminate at least one NTD in 100 countries by 2030. With less than five years to go, progress like Kenya’s will be crucial—especially as funding for NTD programs faces pressure.
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