The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Chad for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This milestone marks the first time Chad has eradicated a neglected tropical disease.

Chad is the first country to be recognized for eliminating a neglected tropical disease in 2024, making it the 51st country globally to achieve this target. This accomplishment moves the world closer to the goal of 100 countries eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease by 2030, a target set by the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030.

“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement. It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD. The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Sleeping sickness starts with flu-like symptoms but can lead to severe issues such as behavioral changes, confusion, disrupted sleep cycles, coma, and often death. The disease can be controlled and eliminated through improved access to early diagnosis, treatment, and effective surveillance and response strategies.

To date, WHO has validated seven countries 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 now Chad (2024). The rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda, 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 Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Minister of Health of Chad.

As of June 2024, 20 countries in the WHO African region have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Togo has eliminated four diseases, while Benin and Ghana have each eliminated three.

About Human African Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease caused by the Trypanosoma parasite, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies. The disease has two forms: one caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, prevalent in 24 West and Central African countries and accounting for over 92% of cases, and another caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, found in 13 East and Southern African countries.

Controlling sleeping sickness involves reducing the reservoirs of infection and the presence of tsetse flies. Screening at-risk populations enables early diagnosis, which can prevent the need for complex and risky treatments in advanced stages and significantly improve chances for a cure.