By Job Okoth
The 37thThe International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC) conference commenced in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, emphasizing the need for collaboration and new ideas to eradicate this fatal illness throughout Africa.
Organized by the Kenyan government, the conference is titled ‘Leveraging One Health Technologies and Innovations to Eradicate Trypanosomiasis in Africa.’
The week-long event (15th -19thSeptember gathers more than 150 participants, comprising researchers, government officials, and global collaborators like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Dr. Huyam Salih, head of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), pointed out that the theme highlighted the intricate relationship among human, animal, and environmental health.
She highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of teamwork and creativity, driven by the One Health concept, to address ongoing issues such as disjointed institutional cooperation, inadequate financial support, and the rise of resistant drugs and insecticides.
“Prioritizing investment in integrated surveillance systems that merge human, animal, and vector data is crucial for speeding up control initiatives,” she remarked, urging creative public-private collaborations to enhance access to treatment and vector management in rural areas.
Dr. Salih pointed out encouraging developments, including the African Union’s Digital One Health Platform, which allows member nations and regional organizations to exchange information, carry out genomic monitoring, and use predictive analysis to identify outbreaks at an early stage.
Mutahi Kagwe, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Agriculture and Livestock Development, urged the worldwide scientific community to maintain collaboration with farmers, scientists, and authorities to provide long-term remedies for a disease that has affected African agriculture for more than 100 years.
Kagwe highlighted the persistent issues caused by the disease-carrying insect, with about 23% of Kenya’s territory affected by tsetse flies, impacting more than 70% of livestock. The financial losses due to lower meat and milk output, treatment expenses, and control measures are estimated at $143 million each year in Kenya, and $5 billion throughout tsetse-infested areas in Africa.
He praised international allies and the African Union member nations for their assistance, highlighting that cooperation is the most reliable way to protect farmers’ incomes, enhance output, and ensure stable food systems.
As Kenya remains at the forefront, this conference highlighted a renewed dedication from African scientists, decision-makers, and collaborators to utilize advanced technology, strengthen collaboration, and emphasize community involvement in working toward the continent’s goal of eliminating trypanosomiasis.
“Although significant progress has been achieved, we should keep in mind that eradicating sleeping sickness as a public health issue is merely a step along the path to achieving zero transmission. The fight goes on — Aluta Continua,” stated Professor Joseph Ndung’u, Chairperson of ISCTRC.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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