Niger

In the deserts of Niger, The Carter Center has helped the people of Niger stop Guinea worm disease transmission and also is working to prevent blinding trachoma.

Located on the border of the Sahara Desert, water is at a premium for most people in Niger. For this reason, waterborne diseases are particularly threatening for those who may have no other option than to consume water from unsafe sources such as stagnant ponds. Because a healthy population is vital to promoting national development, the government of Niger invited The Carter Center to assist with efforts to combat two painful and debilitating diseases, Guinea worm disease and later, trachoma.

Fighting Disease

Since 1986, the Carter Center's Guinea Worm Eradication Program has led a world coalition fighting to eradicate this devastating disease. In Niger, The Carter Center has been working with the national program to eliminate Guinea worm disease since 1993. When the program began, five of Niger's six regions – Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillaberi, and Diffa – were endemic, hosting approximately 33,000 cases of Guinea worm disease in 1,700 villages. Through hard work and commitment, Niger halted Guinea worm disease transmission in 2008.

Read full text on the Carter Center's health work in Niger >