NEWS – Chad has become the first country in 2024 and the 51st globally to eliminate a neglected tropical disease (NTD) — the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)

HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (HAT)

Overview

• Also known as sleeping sickness.
• Caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies.
• Endemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

Forms of HAT

1. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
   • Found in 24 countries of West and Central Africa.
   • Accounts for 92% of reported cases.
   • Causes chronic illness.
     • Infection can last months or years without major signs or symptoms.
     • Symptoms appear when the disease is advanced, often affecting the central nervous system.

2. Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
   • Found in 13 countries of Eastern and Southern Africa.
   • Accounts for 8% of reported cases.
   • Causes acute disease.
     • Symptoms appear a few weeks or months after infection.
     • Disease develops rapidly, with multi-organ invasion including the brain.

Transmission

• Transmitted by certain species of tsetse flies inhabiting sub-Saharan Africa.
• Rural populations dependent on agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, or hunting are most exposed.

Elimination Progress

• WHO has validated the elimination of the gambiense form of HAT in seven countries:
  • Togo (2020)
  • Benin (2021)
  • Ivory Coast (2021)
  • Uganda (2022)
  • Equatorial Guinea (2022)
  • Ghana (2023)
  • Chad (2024)