Kenya Honoured at WHA79 for Eliminating Sleeping Sickness
Geneva, - Kenya has received global recognition at the 79th World Health Assembly after the World Health Organization officially acknowledged the country’s elimination of Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), a disease that had remained a major public health threat for more than a century.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale received the WHO certificate during a high-level session in Geneva, where WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Kenya’s sustained commitment, leadership, and collaborative public health efforts that led to the elimination milestone.
The recognition follows WHO validation granted in after Kenya sustained zero indigenous sleeping sickness cases since 2009. The disease had historically affected counties in western Kenya, including Busia, Bungoma, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.
Speaking after receiving the recognition, CS Duale said the achievement reflects decades of resilience, investment, and coordinated action involving affected communities, frontline health workers, researchers, laboratory teams, county governments, and national technical experts.
He noted that strong surveillance systems, early diagnosis, vector control measures, and community participation played a critical role in interrupting transmission and sustaining elimination efforts.
While celebrating the milestone, the Cabinet Secretary cautioned that continued vigilance remains necessary to prevent resurgence through sustained surveillance, early detection, community awareness, and integration of sleeping sickness services into routine healthcare systems.
Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional efforts aimed at eliminating neglected tropical diseases across Africa through knowledge sharing, partnerships, and strengthened public health systems.