After three days of intense and constructive discussions, the
Annual Coordination Meeting of the Countries Endemic for gambiense human
African trypanosomiasis (g-HAT) ended today in Libreville, Gabon. This meeting,
which brought together some forty participants from 21 endemic countries,
including national programme managers and coordinators, with the technical and
financial support of the World Health Organization (WHO), was an opportunity to
take stock of the progress made in the fight against g-HAT, as well as the
persistent challenges and the opportunities to accelerate the elimination of
this disease by 2030.
During the consultation, participants were able to take stock of
the progress made in the fight against g-HAT in recent years, highlighting a
significant decline in the number of new cases across Africa. However,
recognizing the ongoing challenges, the experts also identified strategic
priorities to accelerate the elimination of the disease by 2030, including by
strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving access to diagnostics and
treatments, and strengthening community mobilization.
Taking part in the proceedings, the WHO Representative in Gabon,
Dr Magaran Monzon Bagayoko, stressed the importance of maintaining the current
momentum and redoubling efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of stopping g-HAT
transmission, thus achieving its elimination. He also expressed his gratitude
to all participants for their commitment and determination to fight this
devastating disease. "Elimination is within reach, the time is no
longer for doubt, but for action," he said.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Prof. Adrien Mougougou,
reaffirmed the commitment of the Gabonese government to fight against g-HAT.
"Gabon remains committed to supporting national and international efforts
to eliminate human African trypanosomiasis," he said. "Gabon
intends to equip itself with a control framework whose implementation relies on
a two-pronged process including, on the one hand, the development of community
health and on the other hand, the operationalization of health departments with
the support of our partners."
The recommendations made during this meeting will be compiled
into a final report, which will guide future efforts to control g-HAT and
ensure the health and well-being of affected populations.
"Participating in this meeting was an enriching and
challenging experience. I was impressed by the collaboration and commitment of
all participants to work closely together to eliminate g-HAT. It is also an
opportunity to salute the support of WHO, which is sparing no effort to
accompany countries in this noble fight," said Dr Kane Ndeye Mbaké, g-HAT Programme
Coordinator of Senegal, at the close of the meeting.
This first post-COVID-19 Annual Coordination Meeting, held in person, marks an important milestone in the fight against g-HAT. It demonstrates Gabon's willingness and that of the international community to work together for its elimination.
See Original version.