Kenya Urges Africa to Adopt One Health Strategy Against Trypanosomiasis

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-16 15:10 EAT. Kenyan health officials have called on African countries to adopt a One Health approach to fight trypanosomiasis, linking human, animal, and environmental health in tackling the tsetse fly-borne disease.

The Latest

• Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe told the International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control that about 23% of Kenya’s landmass remains tsetse-infested, causing US$143 million in annual losses.

• Kenya has already eliminated human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) with World Health Organization validation but seeks to protect livestock and rural communities through expanded vector control.

One Health Approach

• Calls for cross-sector collaboration among health, agriculture, and environmental agencies.

• Advocates using data-driven tools, digital mapping, and surveillance technologies to identify and target hotspots.

• Supports investment in diagnostics, vaccines, and innovative traps to reduce disease spread.

Conference Highlights

• Theme: “Harnessing One Health Technologies & Innovations towards Eliminating Trypanosomiasis in Africa.”

• Delegates explored climate impacts on tsetse habitats, new insecticides, and bait technologies to suppress fly populations.

• Emphasis on regional partnerships and shared data platforms to coordinate responses across African borders.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Mutahi Kagwe, Health CS: “We need data-driven technologies that create quick wins for farmers and communities.”

• Scientists and donors: Urged to invest in surveillance systems and climate-resilient interventions.

• Neighbouring governments: Called upon to collaborate to prevent cross-border reinfestation.

Implications

• Economic impact: Protecting livestock could save millions in losses for pastoralist communities.

• Regional health security: Joint action needed as climate change alters vector habitats.

• Sustainability: Kenya’s success against sleeping sickness seen as a model for Africa-wide action.

What to Watch

• Adoption of One Health frameworks by African Union member states.

• Funding commitments for new vector control and vaccine research.

• Rollout of digital surveillance systems in tsetse-infested regions.