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By Duncan Mboyah

International scientists have decided to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) along with the integration of the one health strategy in addressing trypanosomiasis, a condition that is prevalent in 38 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Gathered in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, during the 37th General Conference of the International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC), more than 350 scientists pledged to utilize AI-driven vector monitoring and other digital technologies for the early identification and response to trypanosomiasis in the area.

They also urged governments to support innovation by increasing research on new diagnostic methods and vaccines to assist in controlling the disease, which results in the deaths of millions of livestock across the continent and puts farmers at risk of poverty, hunger, and health issues.

Researchers also urged the enhancement of regional collaboration by synchronizing national and regional efforts with the Progressive Control Pathway (PCP) for managing tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis.

They shared their confidence in the one health strategy and called on governments to establish the approach by incorporating trypanosomiasis into national and continental one health systems.

They proposed a collaborative initiative integrating with the wider zoonotic disease and neglected tropical disease (NTD) strategies across the continent.

Regarding funding, researchers called on governments to establish stable financial support by leveraging climate-related funds to aid control initiatives and enhance public-private collaborations to maintain ongoing resources past individual projects.

The researchers are dedicated to establishing effective participation in upcoming plans and decision-making bodies, aiming to improve educational and guidance prospects for emerging scientists and female scholars.

Dr. Huyam Salih, the Director of the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), called on AU member countries to enhance training initiatives to provide future researchers with crucial competencies.

Dr. Salih praised the continuous work aimed at eradicating sleeping sickness as a public health concern by 2030, and recognized the programs and resources being created to fight African animal trypanosomiasis.

“Ongoing efforts in diagnostics and treatment are essential to protect animals, ensure livelihoods, and promote socio-economic growth among Member States,” she added.

At the conference, 103 research papers were shared, comprising eight from Member States and nine from international partners, addressing areas like human and animal African Trypanosomiasis, Glossina biology and management, socio-economic and environmental challenges, and non-tsetse trypanosomiasis.