Guinea has officially eliminated Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. The announcement was made by Guinea’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Dr. Oumar Diouhé BAH, who credited the milestone to years of dedication from the Guinean government, its partners, and local communities.
Sleeping sickness is a vector-borne parasitic disease transmitted by tsetse flies. If left untreated, it can lead to severe neurological symptoms such as confusion, disrupted sleep patterns, and even death. Guinea’s success in eradicating this disease is a significant step forward in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with HAT being the first NTD to be eliminated in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, praised the efforts of Guinea, stating that the achievement would allow vulnerable communities to live free from the threat of this deadly disease. “This is a remarkable public health achievement, and I commend the government, healthcare workers, and the many partners involved,” Dr. Moeti said.
The battle against HAT in Guinea began in earnest in 2002 when the Ministry of Health launched the National Programme for the Control of HAT, with strong backing from WHO and other partners like the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative. A key strategy involved mass medical screenings to identify and treat individuals affected by the disease.
Guinea also introduced vector control measures in 2012, using insecticide-impregnated mini-screens to reduce human contact with tsetse flies. These interventions were expanded nationwide by 2016, showing significant promise in curbing the spread of the disease.
Despite setbacks from the Ebola epidemic in 2014 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Guinea’s HAT elimination programme remained resilient. Adaptations such as door-to-door screening helped sustain efforts during these challenging times. Collaboration with local communities ensured the success of the program, with culturally acceptable interventions widely supported.
Guinea’s achievement is part of a broader regional effort, with seven other countries—Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Chad—also being validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of HAT. In addition, Rwanda has successfully eliminated the rhodesiense form of the disease.
This achievement on the eve of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (January 30) serves as a beacon of hope for other nations still battling HAT and other neglected diseases. With continued global efforts, the elimination of sleeping sickness represents a major triumph in public health.
