Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Chad has successfully eradicated the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT).

Chad eliminates human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem

Chad has become the first country of the year and the 51st worldwide to eliminate a neglected tropical disease (NTD).

Chad

It is a landlocked country in north-central Africa.
- It is largely a semi-desert country.
Capital: N’Djamena
Bordering Nations: Sudan, Niger, Libya and Central African Republic.
Rivers: Chari and Logone
Highest point: Mount Koussi

WHO has validated the elimination of the gambiense form of HAT in seven countries:
- Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Ivory Coast (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022)
  Ghana (2023), Chad (2024).
Progress in the Fight Against NTDs: Chad has joined other countries that have eliminated sleeping sickness, contributing to the global target of eliminating 100 NTDs by 2030.

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About Human African Trypanosomiasis

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is commonly known as sleeping sickness.

Disease Causing Agent: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused by protozoan parasites.
Transmission: Infected tsetse flies.
Symptoms: The disease is typically fatal if untreated, causing symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and, in severe cases, coma.
Forms of HAT
- There are two forms of HAT based on the subspecies of the parasite:
  - Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: Accounts for 92% of reported cases.
  - Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: Responsible for the remaining 8% of cases.

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