A new documentary chronicles President Jimmy Carter’s nearly four-decade campaign to eliminate guinea worm disease—an ancient parasite that once afflicted millions—using education and clean water rather than vaccines or medication.
The prospect of eradicating Guinea worm disease remains on track, with just 15 human cases reported in two countries in 2024, reports The Carter Center.
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.