Global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly sleeping sickness, have seen significant achievements over the past decades, but they still grapple with numerous challenges, including funding shortages and social stigma. The latest developments on these diseases, including the fight against sleeping sickness, have garnered global attention, particularly as various countries work toward eliminating these life-altering conditions.
Sleeping sickness, also known as African trypanosomiasis, has witnessed remarkable progress, with global cases dropping by 97% over the past 25 years. Countries including Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Uganda, and Chad have declared the disease eliminated as a public health problem as recently as 2024. Notably, Guinea has followed suit. These milestones reflect the positive outcomes of sustained global efforts, political will, and innovations led by pharmaceutical companies who have prioritized this affliction.
Despite these successes, around 1.5 million individuals remain at risk for sleeping sickness, fueled by factors such as conflict, malnutrition, and inadequate access to healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the urgent need for bold investments to combat not just sleeping sickness but all NTDs, advocating for collaboration between governments, organizations, and local communities.
One area of concern is Kenya, which is endemic to 19 of the 20 NTDs recognized by the WHO. According to Moses Chege, Director of Sightsavers Kenya, "Fighting NTDs in Kenya is not just a health issue—it's a fight for equality. These diseases are called neglected for a reason: they affect the poorest and most vulnerable members of society, deepening the cycles of poverty." Chege warns of the high risk of millions more suffering from these diseases without continued focus and funding.
Kenya has made substantial strides, especially with its successful trachoma elimination programs, but challenges remain. The Ministry of Health, supported by Sightsavers, has engaged community leaders, rolling out digital tools to streamline mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns. These efforts have ensured treatment reaches those most at risk, yet many areas still demand aggressive approaches to sustain the momentum achieved.
Ammoed by successes, WHO has set 2030 as the target to reduce the number of people at risk from NTDs globally by 90%. To meet this goal, funding challenges must be addressed since the overall investment trend has been declining. Recently, it was noted, "The world has only five years left to meet the 2030 target set by the WHO" as urgency grew for nations to commit to stopping NTDs.
More countries worldwide are also striving to tackle various NTDs beyond sleeping sickness. The recognition of Noma as part of the NTD classifications marks an important step forward. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, noma can cause devastating facial disfigurements, with survivors requiring extensive reconstructive surgeries and mental health support. The addition of this disease to WHO's list could galvanize increased funding and research, highlighting the interconnectedness of poverty and health.
This networking is visible with global organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) actively addressing NTDs. Their projects, particularly aimed at treating visceral leishmaniasis and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), show the need for heightened attention to diseases affecting marginalized communities, highlighting the relationship between social determinants and health outcomes.
Rabies—a vaccine-preventable NTD—is also seeing new initiatives, as Gavi announced plans to improve human rabies vaccination access after bites. This program aims to make vaccines available quickly and at no cost, reducing the burden of this otherwise deadly disease on the population.
Yet, as successes mount, the specter of conflict looms over much of Africa, eroding healthcare infrastructure and exposing populations to NTDs. Areas affected by war, particularly regions like North Darfur, face heightened risks of outbreaks of diseases like visceral leishmaniasis, with inadequate access to medications exacerbated by supply chain issues.
The WHO has repeatedly called upon global leaders to make substantial and sustainable investments to eradicate NTDs. "The clock is ticking, and every effort counts," its officials assert, emphasizing the urgency of restoring health and dignity to millions struggling with these ailments worldwide.
Eliminations are not just statistical feats; they represent hope and the chance for populations to thrive without the pall of disease. Collaborative efforts will be pivotal—not merely for the NTDs alone but for breaking the vicious cycles of poverty and health disparities extending across affected regions.
The fight against sleeping sickness and NTDs at large embodies not only the challenges of global health but also the potential for unified action to realize world health targets. The past two decades have shown what can be accomplished with commitment and resources, and now is the time to renew efforts to secure the health and future of vulnerable populations everywhere.