Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)

June 22, 2024

GS Paper III Science and Technology

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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