The effort to end Guinea worm disease relies almost entirely on changes in people’s behavior. There is no cure, no vaccination. When the 39th president of the United States left office, Jimmy Carter campaigned to eradicate the disease.
Makoy Samuel Yibi’s relentless efforts have brought Guinea worm disease to the brink of eradication. With support from the Carter Center, Makoy traverses rugged terrain in South Sudan to contain outbreaks and prevent future infections.
The grisly parasitic disease has been reduced by 99.99% since eradication efforts began and is poised to become the second human disease and the first parasitic disease eradicated in history.
This Carter Center video showcases Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s instrumental work over decades to greatly advance global health and human rights.
Only 14 human cases of guinea worm disease occurred worldwide in 2021, the Carter Center reported in late January, the lowest number of cases ever.