Chad: WHO celebrates major health milestone

Chad has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the 51st country to eliminate a neglected tropical disease (NTD), achieving a significant milestone in the global health arena.

This marks Chad’s first victory against Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, and positions the nation as a leader in the fight against NTDs.

The WHO’s commendation of Chad highlights the nation’s substantial progress towards the ambitious goal of having 100 countries eliminate at least one NTD by 2030, as set forth in the Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised Chad’s achievement, stating, “I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this accomplishment. It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD. The 100-country target is nearer and within reach.”

Human African Trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by tsetse flies in sub-Saharan Africa. If untreated, it causes severe symptoms including behavioral changes, confusion, sleep cycle disturbances, and eventually death. Chad’s success in eliminating this disease reflects years of dedicated efforts in improving access to early diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and response.

Chad joins a select group of countries validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of HAT, including Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, and Ghana. The rhodesiense form of the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem in Rwanda.

Chad’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Abdel Modjid Abderahim Mahamat, attributed this milestone to the relentless efforts of health workers, communities, and partners.

“The elimination of the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis in Chad reflects our commitment to improving the health of our people. We will continue this momentum to tackle other neglected tropical diseases and ensure a healthier future for all Chadians,” he said.

As of June 2024, 20 countries in the WHO African region have eliminated at least one NTD, with Togo having eliminated four diseases and both Benin and Ghana having eliminated three each.

The success story of Chad underscores the effectiveness of strategies to control sleeping sickness, such as reducing reservoirs of infection and the presence of tsetse flies. Chad’s achievement serves as an inspiring example for other nations striving to combat neglected tropical diseases and improve public health outcomes.