Kenya Eliminates Sleeping Sickness as a Public Health Issue

On August 8, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially validated Kenya's elimination of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This milestone positions Kenya as the tenth country to achieve such a status, following its certification as free of Guinea worm disease in 2018.

HAT is a vector-borne disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected tsetse flies. The disease manifests in two forms:

• Gambiense HAT: Predominantly found in West and Central Africa.

• Rhodesiense HAT: Present in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya.

The rhodesiense form progresses rapidly, invading multiple organs, including the brain, and is fatal within weeks if untreated.

Kenya's encounter with HAT dates back to the early 20th century. The first cases were detected in the early 1900s. In the 1950s, control efforts intensified with the use of insecticides like DDT, leading to significant reductions in disease prevalence. By the 1960s, Gambian sleeping sickness virtually disappeared from Kenya. However, in 1959, the more virulent rhodesiense form appeared in the Lambwe Valley, South Nyanza. The last indigenous case was reported in 2009, and the last two exported cases were detected in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in 2012.

In recent years, Kenya has implemented several strategic interventions:

• Surveillance Enhancement: Twelve health facilities across six historically endemic counties were designated as sentinel sites, equipped with diagnostic tools, and staffed with trained personnel.

• Vector Control: Active monitoring and control of tsetse fly populations and animal trypanosomiasis, supported by the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC).

• Community Engagement: Collaborations with local communities ensured culturally acceptable interventions.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, "I congratulate the government and people of Kenya on this landmark achievement. 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."

Dr. Aden Duale, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Health, remarked, "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."

Kenya's achievement contributes to the broader goal of eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). To date, 57 countries have eliminated at least one NTD. Other countries that have successfully eliminated HAT as a public health problem include Benin, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda.

Following this validation, Kenya plans to implement a post-validation surveillance plan to detect any potential resurgence or reintroduction of transmission. WHO continues to support ongoing monitoring in previously affected areas and maintains a stock of medicines to ensure rapid treatment of possible future cases.

The elimination of HAT in Kenya has profound social and economic implications:

• Public Health: Reduced morbidity and mortality associated with HAT.

• Economic Growth: Enhanced productivity in agriculture and tourism sectors previously hindered by the disease.

• Poverty Reduction: Alleviation of healthcare costs and economic burdens on affected families.

Kenya's elimination of sleeping sickness as a public health problem is a testament to the nation's dedication to improving public health and combating NTDs. This achievement not only safeguards the health of its citizens but also serves as an inspiring model for other countries striving to overcome similar health challenges.