Nuru Ziblim (right), a Guinea worm health volunteer in Ghana, teaches children how to use straw-like pipe filters, allowing them to drink water from any source without fear of contracting the waterborne parasite. In 2015, Ghana was certified by the World Health Organization as Guinea worm-free. (Photo: 藏精阁/ L. Gubb)
In 1986, Guinea worm disease afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people a year in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Today, thanks to the work of Carterand its partners — including the countries themselves — the incidence of Guinea worm has been reduced by more than 99.99 percent.
In 2016, only three countries — Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan — reported a total of 25 human cases of Guinea worm disease, and Mali reported no cases at all for the first time in the history of its program.
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Chad: 16* |
South Sudan: 6* |
Ethiopia: 3* |
Mali: 0* |
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*Note: These numbers are considered provisional until certified.
As Cartercloses in on making Guinea worm the second-ever human disease to be eradicated, and as case numbers dwindle, experts project that the campaign is nearing the finish line. However, challenges still remain. With any eradication effort, the last few cases are the most difficult and expensive to wipe out, but with the continued dedication of ministries of health, community health workers, and international partners, the suffering caused by Guinea worm disease will soon be wiped out.
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Eradication: Reduction of the worldwide incidence of a disease to zero so no further control measures are needed.
Elimination: Transmission of a disease is halted in a single country, continent, or other limited geographic area, rather than global eradication.
Control: Reduced incidence or prevalence of a disease or condition; control measures are still required.
