PAAT
African trypanosomiasis, the parasitic disease caused by trypanosomes transmitted by tsetse flies to people and their livestock throughout much of the Horn of Africa, is widely recognised as having a major impact on the development of the region. The Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) has mobilised support from African leaders as well as substantial funding, which provides an opportunity to intervene effectively to control the disease. Only if PATTEC’s initial programmes are seen to be successful, however – in terms of the areas targeted, the goals set and cost-effectiveness – will governments, donors and livestock keepers invest in further tsetse control rather than continue to rely on trypanocides. Thus informed decision-making is particularly crucial at this time.
The Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis (PAAT) was created in order to harmonize and coordinate the activities of international organizations and national governments in relation to tsetse, trypanosomiasis and sustainable agricultural and rural development. IGAD LPI is collaborating with PAAT to help provide information that will empower PATTEC and national and policy makers to formulate appropriate policies for tsetse and trypanosomiasis control, particularly in relation to prioritising areas for interventions and selecting the most cost-effective methods with which to achieve control.