Chad becomes first country in 2024 to eliminate sleeping sickness, WHO recognises achievement
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended Chad after the African country became the first country in 2024 to be recognised for eliminating a neglected tropical disease (NTD), marking it as the 51st country globally to achieve this milestone.
This achievement represents the halfway point towards the global goal of having 100 countries eliminate at least one NTD by 2030, a key target of the WHO's 2021-2030 Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases.
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this remarkable achievement. It is encouraging to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. The goal of 100 countries by 2030 is now closer and within reach,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General as quoted by Afrcanews.
Sleeping sickness, or human African trypanosomiasis, initially presents flu-like symptoms but can eventually lead to behaviour changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, coma, and death. Improved access to early diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and response has demonstrated that countries can control and eventually 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). Additionally, the rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda, as validated by WHO in 2022.
"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," said Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Minister of Health, Chad.
As of June 2024, 20 countries in the WHO African region have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Notably, Togo has eliminated four diseases, while Benin and Ghana have each eliminated three diseases.
