In August 2024, a major breakthrough was made in the treatment of Rhodesiense human African trypanosomiasis (r-HAT). The World Health Organization recommended fexinidazole as the first-line treatment for the acute form of the disease, replacing suramin and melarsoprol. On January 30, 2025, the World Health Organization delivered fexinidazole to the health authorities of Malawi and Zimbabwe, marking an important milestone in the history of trypanosomiasis treatment. Suramin has been used for the first-stage treatment of r-HAT since 1920, and melarsoprol has been used for the second-stage treatment since 1949 (there was no effective therapy for this stage before). It is noteworthy that although melarsoprol has saved many lives, it has a high incidence of severe adverse reactions, with a related fatality rate of over 8%. Fexinidazole is effective for both the first and second stages of r-HAT, thus simplifying the disease management process, and most cases no longer require lumbar puncture for staging diagnosis. Before the drug supply, the World Health Organization completed systematic training for medical staff in 2024 to ensure the standardized use of the new drug, and established an active pharmacovigilance plan in the initial stage of use. After 76 years of neglected treatment, patients with this disease finally have access to better treatment options. The World Health Organization has played a key role in promoting new drug research and development and accelerating clinical application.