NAIROBI....The historic peace accord signed here today by the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army not only brings an end to Africa's longest running civil war, but also paves the way for final global eradication of Guinea worm disease.

With approximately 50 percent of all remaining cases of Guinea worm disease located in Sudan, the peace accord will enable health workers from the Carter Center's Guinea Worm Eradication Program - in addition to the Trachoma Control and River Blindness Programs - to reach areas previously inaccessible due to conflict.

In a statement issued today, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter commended President Omar Bashir and Dr. John Garang, head of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army, on joining together to end "this long, bloody war," and encouraged Sudanese leaders at all levels to "work together in the spirit of compromise to rebuild the country." Read the full statement.

Sudan's civil war, which pitted the Muslim north against Christians and animists in the south, has left more than 2 million people dead. Apart from an 11-year period from 1972-1983, southern Sudan has been at war continuously since 1956. Peace talks began in 2002.

The Carter Center has been deeply committed for more than a decade to alleviate suffering in Sudan and help find ways to bring a lasting end to the war. The Center's first project was the Sasakawa-Global 2000 agricultural project that began in 1986, helping farmers to greatly improve crop yields. From that first activity, the Center has continually expanded its efforts to help the long-suffering people of Sudan.

With four active programs - conflict resolution, Guinea worm eradication, river blindness, and trachoma control - The Carter Center will continue its work during the implementation of the historic accords to produce a better life in Sudan by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope.