Chad Eliminates Sleeping Sickness as a Public Health Problem, Marks Neglected Tropical Disease Eradication

Chad becomes the 51st country globally to achieve this target, progressing toward the global goal of 100 countries eliminating NTDs by 2030, as set by the WHO Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Chad for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This achievement marks the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eradicated in the country and makes Chad the first nation to reach such a milestone in 2024. Chad becomes the 51st country globally to achieve this target, progressing toward the global goal of 100 countries eliminating NTDs by 2030, as set by the WHO 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.

The Impact of Sleeping Sickness

Sleeping sickness, caused by the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, initially presents with flu-like symptoms but can progress to behavioral changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, and even coma, often resulting in death. The success in Chad is attributed to improved access to early diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and response.

Global Progress

Chad joins a list of countries validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, including Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), and Ghana (2023). Additionally, the rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda, as 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 Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, Minister of Health, Chad.

Regional Achievements

As of June 2024, 20 countries in the WHO African region have eliminated at least one NTD, with Togo eliminating four diseases and Benin and Ghana eliminating three diseases each. This progress underscores the potential to meet and exceed the targets set by the WHO Road Map for NTDs by 2030.

This significant milestone in Chad not only highlights the country's dedication to public health but also sets a precedent for other nations in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.