Control and surveillance of African trypanosomiasis. Report of a WHO Expert Committee

Abstract

Current estimates indicate that 60 million people are at risk of infection with human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, with about 300,000 new cases each year. However, less than 4 million people are under surveillance and only 10% of new cases are diagnosed and treated. This report of a WHO Expert Committee reviews current epidemiological information on African trypanosomiasis and its vectors, and evaluates recent advances in drug treatment and the development of tools for the control and surveillance of the disease. The report provides examples of treatment schedules, vector control operations, indicators for monitoring control and surveillance activities and sample calculations for analysing the cost-effectiveness of different strategies, as well as details of methods for cryopreservation of trypanosome-infected blood samples and a description of traps and screens for the control of the insect vector, Glossina. Although primarily addressed to health policy-makers in countries endemic for sleeping sickness, this report will also be a useful reference source for health care staff at all levels, including physicians, nurses, auxiliary staff and students, as well as those engaged in research on the disease.