Kenya Receives International Recognition at Global Health Summit

Kenya is the latest country to be recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness.

The country was given this official status by the WHO at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, after confirmation that indigenous cases have not been registered since 2009.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was presented with the WHO certificate during the high-level segment held on Monday.

He was awarded by the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who lauded Kenya’s continued commitment and leadership in public health.

Disease Elimination and Public Health Efforts

“The attainment is an affirmation of more than a decade’s work with significant investment, unwavering dedication, and the collective action of affected communities, frontline health workers, researchers, laboratory personnel, county governments and national technical experts,” Duale commented upon receiving the certificate.

The achievement was preceded by a validation by the WHO in June 2025 after Kenya proved it has no local transmission of the disease for over 15 years.

For over a century, it had afflicted regions in western Kenya, including Busia, Bungoma, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok, posing an imminent public health risk to rural populations.

“Strong surveillance systems, early diagnosis and vector control measures, and active community participation contributed significantly to interrupting transmission and sustained elimination efforts in affected regions,” Duale stated.

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Kenya’s Achievement in Disease Eradication

Tedros lauded Kenya’s collaborative efforts and stated that the landmark achievement demonstrates what consistent political will and a successful partnership can achieve.

Kenya is one of the few countries in Africa to have eradicated the disease as a public health problem.

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Kenya now joins a host of other African nations that have been endorsed by the WHO for eliminating neglected tropical diseases.

The Ministry of Health has said its next goal is to maintain a zero transmission of the disease as well as support other countries battling the epidemic.

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