Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis (PAAT)
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which affects people and livestock, lies at the heart of Africa’s struggle against poverty. The disease, transmitted mainly by tsetse flies, is prevalent in 37 countries among the poorest of the world. Probably more than any other disease affecting both livestock and people, trypanosomiasis threatens human and livestock health and agricultural production, and, thereby, rural development and poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis (PAAT) was established in 1997 as an International Alliance combining the forces of FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the African Union/Interafrican Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) to assist African Member States to control and eventually eradicate this devastating disease. Further UN partners of PAAT are the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The private sector collaborates with PAAT through the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH). Lately a collaborative agreement was established with ALive (African Livestock Partnership).
Since its creation, PAAT has been acting as the principal alliance tackling trypanosomiasis by means of concerted international planning and action, prioritized and problem-driven research, focused investments and interventions, integrated vector and disease control and the participation of local communities. PAAT’s ultimate goal remains the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Livestock in areas affected by tsetse and trypanosomiasis intervention.