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Guinea Becomes First Country to Eliminate Sleeping Sickness as a Public Health Problem

Introduction

In a significant public health milestone, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on January 29, 2025, that Guinea has officially eliminated the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)—commonly known as sleeping sickness—as a public health problem. This announcement comes just ahead of Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (January 30) and marks a major step forward in the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

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What Is Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)?

• HAT is a parasitic disease caused by the Trypanosoma parasite
• It is transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies
• Early symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
• If left untreated, the disease progresses to the nervous system, leading to:
  • Confusion
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Death in severe cases

🧬 The gambiense form, found in West and Central Africa, progresses slowly, making early detection and intervention essential.

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HAT in Guinea: A Historical Challenge

• In the 1990s, Guinea saw a resurgence of sleeping sickness, especially in coastal regions near Conakry
• This was linked to increased human activity in mangrove ecosystems
• In 2002, the government established the National Programme for the Control of HAT to address the issue systematically

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Key Strategies Behind the Elimination

Guinea implemented a multi-pronged strategy, including:

🩺 1. Mass Screening and Early Diagnosis

• Routine screening of at-risk populations
• Prompt treatment of confirmed cases

🦟 2. Vector Control (Since 2012)

• Use of insecticide-impregnated mini-screens
• Expanded nationwide by 2016 to reduce human-tsetse fly interaction

👥 3. Community Engagement

• Communities helped tailor interventions to be culturally appropriate
• Support continued even during crises like Ebola and COVID-19

💊 4. Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

• Use of improved diagnostic tools
• Availability of safer and more effective treatments

💰 5. Continuous Funding and Support

• Support from WHO and global partners ensured sustained action
• Case numbers dropped below the WHO threshold of 1 case per 10,000 people in endemic areas

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Global Recognition and Regional Progress

Guinea’s success is part of a broader regional movement to eliminate sleeping sickness:

• ✅ Countries that have eliminated gambiense HAT:
  • Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Chad
• ✅ Rwanda has successfully eliminated the rhodesiense form

🌍 These milestones show that elimination of neglected tropical diseases is achievable through sustained commitment and collaboration.

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Conclusion

Guinea’s elimination of gambiense sleeping sickness is a landmark achievement in global health. It reflects the power of integrated public health strategies, community involvement, and international cooperation. As other nations follow this example, the world moves closer to the goal of eradicating neglected tropical diseases and ensuring health equity for all.

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