Kenya eliminated Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness as a public health problem which is the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) in the country. HAT is caused by the blood parasite Trypanosoma brucei that is transmitted by tsetse flies which is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
The first cases of HAT in Kenya were detected in the early 20th century.
With this validation by the World Health Organization WHO achievement African nation Kenya becomes tenth country to reach this important milestone. The other countries that have reached this milestone are Benin, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Rwanda, Togo and Uganda.
“This validation marks a major public health milestone for Kenya which 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.
