Kenya has eradicated human African trypanosomiasis, becoming the 10th African nation to eliminate sleeping sickness as a public health concern.
This achievement marks Kenya's second victory over a neglected tropical disease, following the defeat of guinea worm disease in 2018.
The success underscores the importance of partnerships and sustained efforts in combating neglected tropical diseases.
Kenya has successfully eradicated human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed August 8, 2025. This marked the country's second victory over a neglected tropical disease following the defeat of guinea worm disease in 2018.
Kenya became the 10th African country to eliminate HAT as a public health concern. The achievement contributes to a global total of at least 57 countries that have met the target for neglected tropical diseases. However, with just five years remaining to achieve WHO's objective of eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease in 100 countries, reductions in foreign aid pose a risk to ongoing progress.
“I congratulate the government and people of Kenya on this landmark achievement,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This is another step towards making Africa free of neglected tropical diseases.”
HAT is a vector-borne illness caused by the blood parasite Trypanosoma brucei, transmitted by tsetse flies. In Kenya, only the rhodesiense form occurs, mainly in eastern and southern Africa. It progresses rapidly, invading vital organs such as the brain, and is fatal within weeks if untreated.
The disease was first detected in Kenya in the early 20th century. With sustained control measures, the country has recorded no indigenous cases since 2009. The last two imported cases were reported in 2012 from the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Kenya strengthened disease surveillance in 12 health facilities across six historically endemic counties — Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Kwale — providing diagnostic tools and trained personnel. It also stepped up control of tsetse flies and animal trypanosomiasis, with support from the national veterinary authorities and the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council.
“This validation marks a major public health milestone,” said Dr Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health. “It will protect our people and pave the way for renewed economic growth.”
WHO and partners, including the global health organisation FIND, were instrumental in the elimination drive. Since 2020, FIND has worked with the Ministry of Health to map health facilities, upgrade laboratories, train health workers and raise awareness about HAT.
“This is an incredible achievement and proof of what can be accomplished when partners work towards a common goal,” said Ifedayo Adetifa, chief executive of FIND, in a statement.
Joseph Ndungu, head of FIND’s Kenya office, added, “Eliminating this deadly disease is a major victory for vulnerable communities, and we are proud to have strengthened Kenya’s capacity and surveillance systems.”
Kenya will implement a post-validation surveillance plan to detect any resurgence early. WHO will continue to monitor previously affected areas and maintain a stock of medicines for rapid response.
Kenya now joins nine African nations that include — Benin, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Rwanda, Togo and Uganda — in eliminating HAT as a public health problem in Africa.
“This success reflects years of dedication, collaboration and community engagement,” said Patrick Amoth, director general for Health, Kenya. “Our commitment to vigilance remains as strong as ever.”
In 2020, all WHO member countries agreed to the Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030, setting a global target of freeing 100 countries from at least one NTD by 2030.
With less than five years to go, 57 countries have successfully wiped out at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). The list includes Burundi and Senegal. Senegal was been declared free of trachoma by WHO in July 2025.
But, WHO warned in June that this hard-earned progress is now under threat. Cuts in international funding for health, especially for NTD programmes, could slow down or even reverse the gains — hurting the most vulnerable communities.
However, to reach the 2030 goal, countries must keep up the momentum. This would also contribute significantly to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly the target of ending epidemics of NTDs by 2030.