Accelerating access to new veterinary trypanocides for Africa

Abstract

African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) severely impacts livestock productivity, rural livelihoods and food security across sub-Saharan Africa. Current treatment options are outdated, increasingly ineffective and in some cases unsafe. The emergence and spread of drug resistance frequently compounds these problems. Recent international initiatives have revived efforts to develop innovative, modern, efficient and safe products to prevent and treat AAT. This brief advocates for urgent engagement in regulatory support and coordinated stakeholder action to introduce a new generation of safe, effective, and sustainable veterinary trypanocides for African livestock systems, and to advance progress towards the development of vaccines.