Kenya received global recognition at the 79th World Health Assembly after successfully eliminating Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, marking a major milestone in the country’s public health history.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale accepted the official certificate from the World Health Organization, which acknowledged Kenya’s sustained efforts in eliminating the disease.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Kenya’s leadership and the Ministry of Health for the achievement, describing it as a significant victory in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
In a statement issued after the recognition, Duale termed the award a great honour for both the Government and the people of Kenya, saying the achievement reflects decades of resilience, commitment, and collaboration across the health sector and affected communities.
Sleeping sickness had remained a serious health threat in Kenya for more than 100 years, particularly in western counties such as Busia County, Bungoma County, Siaya County, Homa Bay County, Migori County, and Narok County.
Following WHO validation in June 2025 and a national announcement in August 2025, Kenya has maintained zero indigenous cases of the disease since 2009.
Duale credited communities living in previously affected regions for their cooperation and trust, saying their participation was critical in sustaining surveillance and prevention measures. He also applauded frontline health workers, researchers, laboratory personnel, county governments, and technical experts for strengthening disease detection and response systems.
The Health CS, however, cautioned that elimination does not signal the end of the fight against the disease. He stressed the need for continued surveillance, early detection, vector control, community awareness, and integration of HAT services into routine healthcare systems to prevent a resurgence.
Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional efforts aimed at eliminating neglected tropical diseases across Africa and sharing lessons learned from its success.
The recognition places Kenya among a growing number of countries acknowledged by the WHO for eliminating neglected tropical diseases, underscoring the country’s progress in advancing public health and disease control initiatives.
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