WHO Certifies Kenya Free of Dracunculiasis Transmission

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Kenya free of Dracunculiasis transmission.

The move comes following the recommendation of the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (ICCDE).

During its 12th meeting held at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland the ICCDE reviewed the report of an International Certification Team that visited Kenya in October 2017 to assess the country’s claim of having eliminated the disease

“We congratulate Kenya and salute the work of the thousands of health workers and volunteers who braved difficult conditions for decades to achieve this milestone,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus WHO Director-General.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom noted that the triumph should act as an inspiration to everyone to overcome diseases of poverty and improve the lives of vulnerable people while leaving no one behind.

In his first face to face meeting with ICCDE members since he took office as Director-General of WHO in May 2017, Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for the Commission’s work over the years and reiterated WHO’s unparalleled commitment to eradicating Dracunculiasis.

He added that with the help of partners such as The Carter Center, UNICEF, and CDC, WHO will redouble its efforts in providing optimal support to Chad, Ethiopia, Mali and South Sudan, the four countries that remain endemic for the disease.

Dr. Tedros also announced that he will personally follow up with leaders of those countries where transmission is still occurring and organize high-level visits to further motivate them to reach the finish line.

Kenya now becomes the 187th WHO Member State to be certified Dracunculiasis-free, a major achievement for Kenya as it strengthens its commitment to advancing its agenda for universal health coverage.

Only seven countries remain to be certified. WHO is the only organization mandated to certify countries as free of transmission following the recommendation of the ICCDE.