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WHO congratulates Chad on eliminating neglected tropical disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Chad for its success in eliminating African Trypanosomiasis Gambiae, commonly known as sleeping sickness.
This is the first country to be recognized this year for eliminating neglected tropical diseases. Chad has become the 51st of the WHO’s goal of 100 countries eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by 2030.
“I congratulate the Government and people of Chad for this achievement. It is great to see Chad join the growing list of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday. He added that the 100-country target is now “Closer, within reach.”
Sleeping sickness is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies, which live in sub-Saharan Africa and only certain species can transmit the disease. It begins with flu-like symptoms but gradually worsens, causing behavioral changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, and even coma, often leading to death.
“The elimination of Gambian human African trypanosomiasis in Chad reflects our commitment to improving the health of our people.” said Abdel Mojed Abdelrahim Mahamat, Chad’s Minister of Health, who attributed the milestone to years of tireless efforts by health workers, communities and partners.
The Minister said Chad will maintain this momentum to tackle other neglected tropical diseases and ensure a healthier future for its citizens.
Chad joins the ranks of countries recognized by the World Health Organization as having eliminated sleeping sickness, along with Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), and Ghana (2023). Rwanda was also recognized by the WHO in 2022 for having eliminated Rhodesian sleeping sickness.
As of June 2024, WHO reports that 20 countries in the African region have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Notably, Togo has eradicated four diseases, while Benin and Ghana have eradicated three each.
According to the World Health Organization, NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, and are associated with serious health, social, and economic impacts. Some NTDs primarily affect poor communities in tropical regions, with their impact being more widespread. It is estimated that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. These diseases include Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue and chikungunya, dracunculiasis, echinococcosis, foodborne trematodes, human African trypanosomiasis, and others.
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