The World Health Organization (WHO) is pleased to announce that Chad is now free from the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, as a public health concern.
It is the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eradicated in the country.
Chad is the first country formally recognized for achieving the elimination of a neglected tropical disease in 2024, and as the 51st country to do so. This feat marks the country’s first step on the way to the global 100 for the 2030 agenda. The 100-country target is a goal in the four global framework targets articulated in the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030.
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“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,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, remarked.
So far, 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). The rhodesiense form of the disease has been eradicated as a public health issue in one country, Rwanda, according to WHO in 2022.
The Minister of Health, Chad, Hon. Dr Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, stated: “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.”
