The 36th General Conference of the International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC) provided an opportunity to discuss the tools that will help the continent realize a 2030 goal to eliminate sleeping sickness.
Wabacha is also the ISCTRC Secretary said for the elimination war to be won, countries need very specific and very sensitive tools.
Notably, he said AU member states have since developed tsetse atlases, to guide them into where to focus their efforts. The atlases will play a key role in guiding member states in formulation of policies.
"Going forward, member states and other stakeholders will engage communities more in efforts to eradicate tsetse flies and sleeping sickness," he said.
The Prof argued that the same communities that keep animals are the same that are affected by the problem thus having a direct engagement with them will boost elimination efforts.
"For us to be successful, we must be consistent. We should prevent reinfestation into the areas that are free by putting barriers. It is not a battle that you fight and stop but keep on fighting," said the Prof.
he added, "It has to be consistent, the capacities must be developed, the funding must be consistent to ensure the job that we have done to clear a certain area is not infested again."
This vital meeting, held biennially, plays a pivotal role in improving tsetse and trypanosomiasis control, particularly in rural communities where the impact is most severe.
Organised under the auspices of the ISCTRC in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Kenya, the event underscores the collective commitment to eliminate trypanosomiasis and its devastating impact on Africa's people and livestock.