The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Chad for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This milestone marks the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) eradicated in Chad and positions the nation as the first in 2024 to achieve such a feat. Chad is now the 51st country globally to be acknowledged by WHO for eliminating an NTD, surpassing the halfway mark towards the 100-country target set for 2030.
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement. It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD. The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Sleeping sickness initially presents with flu-like symptoms but can lead to severe neurological issues, including behavioral changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, and coma, often resulting in death. Effective early diagnosis, treatment, and robust surveillance and response mechanisms have proven vital in controlling and eliminating transmission.
Chad joins the ranks of seven countries that have previously eradicated the gambiense form of HAT, including Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), and Ghana (2023). Rwanda was recognized for eliminating the rhodesiense form in 2022.
Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Chad’s Minister of Health, remarked, “The elimination of the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis in Chad reflects our commitment to improving the health of our people. This achievement results from years of dedicated efforts by our health workers, communities, and partners. We will continue this momentum to tackle other neglected tropical diseases and ensure a healthier future for all Chadians.”
Across the WHO African region, 20 countries have eliminated at least one NTD as of June 2024, with Togo leading by eliminating four diseases and Benin and Ghana each eliminating three.
Human African trypanosomiasis, a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the Trypanosoma parasite, is transmitted through bites from infected tsetse flies. There are two forms: the gambiense form, found in 24 West and Central African countries, and the rhodesiense form, prevalent in 13 East and Southern African countries. Chad has successfully eliminated the gambiense form, which accounts for over 92% of HAT cases.
Controlling sleeping sickness involves reducing infection reservoirs and the tsetse fly population. Screening at-risk individuals for early diagnosis is crucial, preventing the need for complex treatments in advanced stages and significantly improving the likelihood of a cure.
