Kenya has received global recognition at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva after the World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified the country as having eliminated Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness.
The WHO awarded Kenya the certification in acknowledgment of its consistent public health efforts, strong leadership, and coordinated multisectoral action in tackling the neglected tropical disease.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Kenya’s Ministry of Health for what he described as a significant public health milestone.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale called the recognition a major honor for the government and the people of Kenya. He said it reflects decades of sustained commitment, resilience, and coordinated efforts involving both national and county governments, health workers, researchers, and development partners.
Sleeping sickness had posed a serious public health challenge for more than a century in parts of western Kenya, including Busia, Bungoma, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok counties.
However, strengthened surveillance and improved control measures have stopped local transmission, with Kenya recording no indigenous cases since 2009. After WHO validation in June 2025 and a national announcement in August 2025, the country has now formally maintained its elimination status.
CS Duale credited the achievement to affected communities, saying their participation and trust played a key role in enabling effective surveillance and prevention efforts. He also acknowledged the contribution of frontline health workers, laboratory teams, county governments, and national technical experts who strengthened diagnostic capacity and response systems.
While welcoming the milestone, he cautioned that elimination does not mark the end of the fight. He urged continued vigilance through sustained surveillance, early detection, vector control, and the integration of HAT services into routine health systems.
He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to sharing best practices and supporting regional initiatives aimed at eliminating neglected tropical diseases across Africa, noting the country’s broader role in advancing global health equity.
