Human African Trypanosomiasis in the Northern Region of Zimbabwe: Reported Cases, Health Implications and the Way Forward

Abstract

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) keeps resurfacing in Zimbabwe raising the need to capacitate the health system with adequate tools to eliminate the disease as a public health threat in the country. The aim of this study is to document recorded HAT cases in Zimbabwe as well as highlighting the impact of the disease and potential control strategies. Published research articles with main focus on HAT in Africa and Zimbabwe were used. The country recorded zero cases of HAT from 1998 to 2004, contrary to that 28 cases and 3 deaths were recorded between 2005 and 2015 and the highest number of cases were recorded in 2012 (9 cases).