The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulates Chad for successfully eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health concern. This significant achievement marks the first neglected tropical disease to be eradicated in the country.
Chad has been recognized as the first country to eliminate a neglected tropical disease in 2024, making it the 51st country globally to reach this milestone, and taking a step closer to the global target of 100 countries by 2030. The 100-country goal is part of the overarching targets outlined in the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030.
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this remarkable accomplishment. It is a positive development to see Chad join the increasing number of countries that have eradicated at least one NTD. The 100-country target is now within reach” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Sleeping sickness initially presents with flu-like symptoms but can progress to behavioral changes, confusion, disruptions in the sleep cycle, or even coma, often resulting in death. Improved access to early diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance has demonstrated that countries can effectively control and eliminate transmission.
To date, seven countries have been validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis: Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana (2023), and Chad (2024). The rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated in one country, Rwanda, as confirmed by WHO in 2022.
“The elimination of the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis in Chad is a testament to our dedication to improving the health of our citizens. This accomplishment is the result of years of hard work by our healthcare workers, communities, and partners. We will continue this momentum to address other neglected tropical diseases and ensure a healthier future for all Chadians,” said Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Minister of Health, Chad.
As of June 2024, in the WHO African region, 20 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, with Togo eliminating 4 diseases, and Benin and Ghana eliminating 3 diseases each.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).