GENEVA, Switzerland — Kenya has received global recognition from the World Health Organization for eliminating Human African Trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led Kenya’s delegation during the award ceremony held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The WHO presented Kenya with an official certificate recognising the country’s success in eliminating the disease as a public health problem.
WHO praises Kenya’s response
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Kenya for its sustained commitment, strong leadership, and multi-sectoral collaboration in combating the disease.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya has maintained zero indigenous cases of sleeping sickness since 2009.
The WHO validated the elimination in June 2025, with national confirmation following in August the same year.
Counties once heavily affected
Sleeping sickness had previously posed a major public health threat in counties including Busia, Bungoma, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.
The disease is transmitted through tsetse fly bites and can become fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Duale praised affected communities, frontline health workers, researchers, and county governments for their role in strengthening surveillance and disease response systems.
Call for continued vigilance
Despite the achievement, the Health CS warned that continued monitoring remains critical to prevent resurgence.
“Even as we celebrate, elimination is not the end,” Duale said.
He noted that Kenya will continue investing in surveillance, early detection, vector control, public awareness and integration of services into routine healthcare systems.
Regional health commitment
Kenya also pledged to support regional efforts aimed at eliminating neglected tropical diseases across Africa.
The delegation included Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Fancy Too, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenaiyara, and Director of Family Health Dr. Bashir Issak.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s public health sector and places the country among a growing number of African states successfully eliminating neglected tropical diseases.
