Kenya Eliminates Sleeping Sickness, Achieves Global Health Milestone

Kenya has officially eliminated human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This achievement makes Kenya the tenth country in the world to reach this milestone, following its earlier success in eradicating Guinea worm disease in 2018. The World Health Organization has validated the country’s elimination status, calling it a landmark moment in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

Sleeping sickness is a severe parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei and spread through the bite of infected tsetse flies. It affects rural communities dependent on farming, fishing, hunting, and livestock. Kenya has only experienced the rhodesiense form of HAT, a rapidly progressing strain that can be fatal within weeks if untreated.

Kenya’s fight against HAT dates back to the early 20th century. The last locally transmitted case was recorded in 2009, while the last two imported cases were detected in 2012 from the Masai Mara region. Since then, the country has intensified control efforts and maintained a decade-long record of zero indigenous cases.

To sustain progress, Kenya established surveillance in 12 health facilities across six historically affected counties. These sites were equipped with modern diagnostic tools, and healthcare workers received advanced training in detecting rhodesiense HAT using sensitive and practical testing methods. Alongside human health measures, authorities also enhanced tsetse fly and animal trypanosomiasis monitoring in partnership with the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council and veterinary health services.

Health officials attribute the success to years of coordinated action involving national and county governments, research institutions, development partners, and local communities. The elimination effort combined active case detection, rapid treatment availability, and ongoing vector control measures.

Kenya has now developed a post-elimination strategy to guard against disease resurgence. This includes continued surveillance in former hotspots, swift investigation of suspected cases, and stockpiling of medicines to ensure immediate treatment if required.

Globally, 57 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Alongside Kenya, nations such as Benin, Ghana, Uganda, and Chad have achieved the elimination of sleeping sickness as a public health problem.

This milestone not only improves public health but also supports economic growth in rural areas once affected by the disease. With vigilant monitoring and rapid response systems in place, Kenya aims to maintain its sleeping sickness-free status and inspire similar victories across Africa.