Kenya Validated for Eliminating Sleeping Sickness
Kenya is the 10th country in the world to be free from HAT as a public health problem. Kenya is also its second eliminated neglected tropical disease,
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General of Health, referred to the validation as proof of years of collective efforts by national and county governments, research institutions, development partners, and communities. Photo /KBC Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya has recorded a historic milestone in disease control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially endorsed the country for the eradication of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), which is also known as sleeping sickness as a public health problem.
The first sleeping sickness cases in Kenya were reported in the early 20th century. The country has persisted to apply control measures since then. No new indigenous cases were reported for more than a decade. The last locally transmitted case was reported in 2009. The last two export cases, which were linked with infections in the Masai Mara National Reserve, were reported in 2012.
He gave the speech at the ceremony whose theme was “One Health One Fight Towards a Sleeping Sickness-Free Kenya.” Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale credited the success to great policies, good leadership, science facts, and engaged communities. He praised health experts, technical partners, and local communities for working their hearts out.
Kenya has stepped up the surveillance of HAT in 12 health facilities in six formerly endemic counties. The health facilities are now sentinel sites and are equipped with improved diagnostic tools. The healthcare workers are also trained to use sophisticated and efficient r-HAT tests. The country also monitors tsetse fly infestation and animal trypanosomiasis with the help of veterinary health authorities and the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC).
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General of Health, referred to the validation as proof of years of collective efforts by national and county governments, research institutions, development partners, and communities. Kenya will now implement a post-validation surveillance strategy for detection of any possible rebound.
HAT is an infectious parasitic illness transmitted by the tsetse fly bite that is infected by the causative parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Kenya has only the rhodesiense type, which progresses rapidly and if left untreated causes death within weeks.
Kenya is the 10th country in the world to be free from HAT as a public health problem. Kenya is also its second eliminated neglected tropical disease, following the elimination of Guinea worm disease in 2018. WHO has pledged continued investment in surveillance and preparedness for treatment in the case of a potential outbreak.
About Author
