African Countries Share Progress and Challenges in Combating Trypanosomiasis at the 37th ISCTRC Conference

@auibar2025

At the 37th ISCTRC Conference, African countries shared updates on their ongoing efforts to combat tsetse and trypanosomiasis (T&T). The country reports showcased both notable progress and persistent challenges in tackling African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). These insights underscore the urgency of coordinated action, research, and investment to overcome this age-old challenge once and for all.
The presentations underscored a mixed picture:

  • Advancing frontiers: Ethiopia and Senegal reported remarkable progress with Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and large-scale suppression, while Burkina Faso and Uganda are moving closer to HAT elimination.
  • Persistent burden: Nigeria, Sudan, and Cameroon continue to face widespread AAT and pockets of HAT, with significant socio-economic consequences.
  • Shared challenges: Underfunding, insecurity, poor diagnostics, and risk of re-invasion threaten sustainability across many regions.
  • Innovation pathways: Expansion of SIT, insecticide-treated cattle, molecular diagnostics, and regional collaboration are offering new hope.

Discussions highlighted the need for regional solutions through a revitalised Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC). The cross-border nature of tsetse habitats, recurrent re-invasion, and the limited impact of isolated national efforts drive this call. Participants also emphasised the importance of syndromic surveillance and molecular testing to detect resurgence and prevent large-scale outbreaks quickly.

The discussions showed the value of knowledge exchange and country-led experiences in shaping Africa’s collective fight against trypanosomiasis. While some nations are close to elimination, others remain heavily burdened. The way forward lies in sustained financing, stronger diagnostics, and regional coordination through a reinvigorated PATTEC, ensuring that Africa stays on track to achieve the vision of a trypanosomiasis-free continent, in line with Agenda 2063.