By Selian Mbari
Kenya has marked a historic milestone after the World health Organization(WHO), officially validated Kenya for eliminating Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem.
The landmark ceremony themed, “One Health, One Fight Towards a Sleeping Sickness-Free Kenya,” was presided by the Cabinet Secretary for health, Hon. Aden Duale.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that having been over a century after the first case in 1901 and following decades when counties such as Busia, Bungoma, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori and Narok were at risk, this milestone reflects the impact of strong policies, united communities and teamwork across different sectors.
“With no indigenous cases since 2009, WHO’s 2025 validation affirms our commitment to health system resilience, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strong disease surveillance,” Aden Duale stated.
“I applauded our health workers, technical teams, expert committee, communities and partners such as WHO and the Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) for their tireless efforts,” he added.
Additionally, he said that as we scale up primary health care, vector control and animal trypanosomiasis management, this achievement will also strengthen our national readiness under the Emergency Preparedness and Response agenda.
He further emphasized that through investments in the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) and Kenya’s active role in the Pandemic Treaty process, the government reaffirms its resolve to detect, respond to and prevent future health threats.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined by the Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Kenya National Public Health Institute CEO Dr. Maureen Kamene, Country Director for Amref in Kenya, Dr. Ndirangu Wanjuki, WHO Representative, Dr Adiele Onyenze among other dignitaries.