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Elimination of Sleeping Sickness in Guinea

Published on: January 30, 2025
This Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (NTD) marks a significant milestone in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases – the successful elimination of gambiense sleeping sickness in Guinea. As a result of international collaboration, global cases of sleeping sickness have reduced by 97% between 2001 and now – meaning the goal of full elimination by 2030 is within reach.

Sleeping sickness, also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. It often begins with seemingly benign symptoms such as a fever and headaches - early warning signs that frequently go undiagnosed. If left untreated, it progresses rapidly, invading multiple organs including the brain, leading to severe neurological symptoms and sleep disruptions. Tragically, in nearly every case, untreated sleeping sickness proves fatal.

Treatment for sleeping sickness has historically been complex, involving difficult administration techniques and potentially dangerous drugs. The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and Sanofi have embarked on a remarkable journey to develop simpler and safer treatment options. We stand on the brink of a significant breakthrough with the imminent arrival of a new once a day oral treatment, offering hope for an even more effective and accessible solution. With the support of the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières, Foundation S are poised to send these new drugs to the endemic countries.

The WHO has announced today that Guinea has become the 8th country to eliminate gambiense-HAT – a huge cause for celebration. This is thanks to incredible innovation and collaboration between partners, spanning governments, philanthropies and the private sector. We must maintain this momentum to reach the last mile of full elimination of this disease. Together, we can build on the progress made and secure a future free from a deadly NTD.

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