Kenya Eliminates Second Neglected Tropical Disease, Human African Trypanosomiasis (rHAT)
Kenya Eliminates Second Neglected Tropical Disease, Human African Trypanosomiasis (rHAT)
8 August 2025 – Nairobi | Brazzaville | Geneva
By Stella Ranji
In a major public health triumph, Kenya has been officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)—also known as sleeping sickness—as a public health problem. This marks the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) the country has successfully eliminated, following its eradication of Guinea worm disease in 2018.
“This validation marks a major public health milestone for Kenya,” said Dr. Aden Duale, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health. “It follows many years of dedication, hard work, and collaboration. This achievement will not only protect our people but also pave the way for renewed economic growth and prosperity.”
A Deadly Disease Defeated
HAT is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the Trypanosoma brucei parasite and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies. Without treatment, the disease is almost always fatal within weeks.
There are two forms of the disease: gambiense, which is slow-progressing and found in West and Central Africa, and rhodesiense (rHAT), which is fast-progressing and prevalent in eastern and southern Africa. Kenya was affected only by the rhodesiense form.
Symptoms of rHAT develop rapidly, affecting multiple organs and eventually invading the brain, leading to severe neurological symptoms and death if untreated.
A Century of Battle
The first cases of HAT in Kenya were detected in the early 20th century. Since then, Kenya has fought an enduring battle against the disease, especially in rural communities where people rely on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, and hunting—activities that increase the risk of exposure to infected tsetse flies.
“I congratulate the government and people of Kenya on this landmark achievement,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “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.”
A Coordinated Response
Kenya’s success is the result of years of sustained, integrated surveillance and control efforts led by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC), national veterinary health authorities, and international partners.
Key milestones in the fight include:
Strengthening surveillance in 12 health facilities across six historically endemic counties.
Deploying trained personnel equipped with sensitive diagnostic tools.
Consistent monitoring of tsetse fly populations and animal reservoirs.
No new indigenous cases reported for over 10 years.
The last autochthonous case detected in 2009.
The final two exported cases, identified in 2012 from the Masai Mara National Reserve.
These efforts have ensured early detection and response, preventing resurgence and maintaining control even in areas beyond traditional hotspots.
Global Progress
Kenya becomes the tenth country to be validated for eliminating HAT as a public health problem, reinforcing a continental and global commitment to ending NTDs.
“This validation demonstrates what is possible with political will, strong public health systems, and community engagement,” added Dr. Tedros.
Looking Forward
The WHO emphasized that continued vigilance is essential to prevent re-emergence. Kenya will maintain its surveillance and control activities to ensure the disease does not return.
With this achievement, Kenya continues to serve as a model for NTD elimination in Africa, showing how sustained national commitment and international collaboration can conquer even the most persistent diseases.
