Kenya Hosts 37th ISCTRC Conference, Celebrates Major Milestone in Fight Against Sleeping Sickness

 

Kenya has officially opened the 37th General Conference of the International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC), marking a significant moment in Africa’s ongoing battle against tsetse-borne diseases.

The conference was inaugurated by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, who was joined by Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, Dr. Huyam Salih—Director of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Geoffrey Mutai—Chairman of the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KeNTECC), along with other dignitaries, scientists, and international partners.

In his opening remarks, CS Kagwe reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to eradicating tsetse flies and the trypanosomiasis disease complex, which for decades have debilitated livestock, stifled agricultural productivity, and undermined rural livelihoods across the continent.

He took the opportunity to highlight a historic public health achievement: the World Health Organization's validation in June 2025 of Kenya’s elimination of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem.

“This milestone is not only a victory for Kenya, but for the entire region,” Kagwe said. “It is proof that with innovation, cooperation, and determination, we can overcome even the most persistent of challenges.”

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that protecting farmers means going beyond treatment—investing in research and development, adopting One Health technologies that consider human, animal, and environmental health, and nurturing strong international partnerships.

He commended AU-IBAR for its leadership in aligning continental efforts in animal health and applauded KeNTECC for advancing regional strategies that directly protect livestock from the tsetse menace. He also recognized the critical support of global organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and African Union member states.

“Collaboration is the surest path to safeguarding our farmers’ livelihoods, boosting agricultural productivity, and securing food systems,” Kagwe noted.

The ISCTRC conference brings together scientists, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and the world to share knowledge, review progress, and chart the way forward in the battle against trypanosomiasis and other vector-borne diseases.

In his closing call to action, CS Kagwe urged the global scientific community to remain steadfast in working alongside farmers, governments, and research institutions to develop and deliver sustainable solutions.

“For over a century, trypanosomiasis has burdened Africa’s agriculture. It is time we bring that chapter to a close—through science, solidarity, and shared resolve,” he concluded.

The 37th ISCTRC Conference is expected to run throughout the week, featuring technical sessions, high-level dialogues, and field visits.