Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a widespread tropical disease that can be fatal if not treated. It is spread by the bite of an infected tsetse fly and is characterized by bouts of fever, swollen lymph glands, aching muscles and joints, headaches and itching.

In advanced stages, sleeping sickness attacks the central nervous system causing confusion, irritability, sensory disturbances, difficulty walking and talking, and disturbances of the sleep cycle, which gives the disease its name.

Traditional medicine refers to the knowledge, skills and practises based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness.

Traditional medicine is often termed alternative or complementary medicine in many countries. Herbal treatments are the most popular form of traditional medicine and 70% to 80% of the Region has used a form as primary health care.