ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and level of individual and community participation in the control of Human African trypanosomiasis in Urambo District; western Tanzania. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect information from individuals at house hold level. Retrospective data of HAT was sought from the medicalofficers in-charge of health facilities. The results indicate that; 191 (90.5 ; n = 211) individuals knew tsetse flies and 187(88.6; n=211) knew HAT. All nine key informants reported that; the communities were aware of HAT while seven key informants reported that; the communities were aware of health risks associated with tsetse bites in human. There was poor knowledge about the role played by animals in the transmission of HAT (26.7; n=187). Majority of those who knew HAT (n = 187) were willing to contribute labour (70.1) and money (64.2) to tsetse and HAT control whereas amongst those who knew tsetse flies; 66.5 and 60.7 were willing to contribute labour and money; respectively. Amongst those who knew any HAT control technique (n = 108); 78.7 and 82.4were willing to contribute money and labour respectively. A total of 454 cases of HAT were reported in the area from 1999 to 2006. It is concluded that; the factors influencing individual and community participation include the knowledge of tsetse; HAT and control measures