Chad eliminates sleeping sickness as a public health problem

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

Chad becomes the first country in 2024 and the 51st globally to eliminate a neglected tropical disease (NTD) – the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness.
To date, 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) and Chad (2024).
- Additionally, the rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda.

About ‘Sleeping sickness’:

Scientific name: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)
Cause: HAT is caused by protozoan parasites spread via infected tsetse flies.
Impact: Typically fatal if untreated, causing fatigue, headaches, and in severe cases, coma.
Types of HAT:
- Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (92% of cases)
- Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (8% of cases)

Chad’s Effort to Eliminate Sleeping Sickness:

Before 2002, the Mandoul region faced a significant burden of sleeping sickness.
Chad worked with WHO and other partners on a comprehensive strategy.
Key Focus Areas:
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Improved access to healthcare in remote areas and introduction of new, effective drugs.
- Tsetse Fly Control: Implemented targeted programmes using traps and insecticides to kill tsetse flies.

Results and Verification:

Case numbers dropped significantly, with no new infections in recent years.
WHO Assessment: Rigorous verification of data on case surveillance, diagnostic testing, and vector control measures.
Chad was declared free of gambiense sleeping sickness as a public health problem in April 2024.

Significance and Future Steps:

Chad’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other countries battling NTDs.
Highlights the importance of targeted interventions, improved diagnostics, and community engagement.
Ongoing surveillance and control measures are essential to prevent resurgence.
Chad can now target other neglected tropical diseases prevalent in the country.
Global NTD Elimination Goal: Aim to eliminate at least 100 NTDs by 2030.

Chad:

Chad is an independent state at the crossroads of North and Central Africa.
The landlocked country is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the southwest, Nigeria to the southwest (at Lake Chad), and Niger to the west.

Source: DTE