Abstract:
The current resurgence in human sleeping sickness is affecting many areas in Central Africa, including Western Uganda. Melarsoprol, the only drug which is available for the treatment of late stage sleeping sickness is inefficient and highly toxic. The manufacture of the only other drug which had been in use for the treatment of late stage sleeping sickness. eflornithine, was discontinued for commercial reasons and its patent sold to WHO. There is no prospect of new drugs being developed, and WHO's attempts to contract out the manufacture of eflomithine have so far been unsuccessful. Whilst drug treatment must be continued for as many people as can be reached, it is inefficient and risky and can only reach a small proportion of the rural population who carry the main burden of the disease. The only reliable and sustainable way to prevent epidemics is therefore to intensify efforts to implement an area wide vector control campaign.