News & Publications

Although the fight against Guinea worm began accelerating in 1986, most endemic countries did not begin eradication efforts until 1990 or later. Only India, Pakistan, Ghana, and Nigeria had eradication programs under way before 1990. As of September 1995, endemic countries reported a total of 89,739 cases, down 32 percent from the same period in 1994.

Today, Sudan, Nigeria, and Niger have approximately two-thirds of all cases in the world. Sudan alone has about 50 percent of all cases remaining. In recent months, international health workers have made substantial progress against Guinea worm, river blindness, and other diseases in Sudan. Their work results from a four-month cease-fire negotiated by President Carter in March 1995. The cease-fire allowed access to remote areas cut off by civil war between the Islamic government and rebel forces. Working with others, The Carter Center coordinated several health initiatives to fight Guinea worm and river blindness and to vaccinate children against polio and measles.

"Sudanese health workers, Operation Lifeline Sudan, UNICEF, and various NGOs were able to do a lot during the cease-fire last year, including distributing more than 150,000 cloth filters," President Carter said. "Working with both sides, we need to help Sudan find a way to stop the fighting for much longer."

"For 1996-97, we need approximately $3 million for work in Sudan, including treatment of river blindess," President Carter added. "And we need another $2.5 million for work in countries besides Sudan."

A Model of Cooperation
Despite these obstacles, Guinea worm eradication is a success story for those who suffer from the disease and those who fight it. "We have achieved success by empowering people to help themselves," said Commodore (Rtd.) Steve Obimpeh, Ghana's minister of health. "The model used in training volunteers to educate villagers is being adapted to provide other health services, such as immunization and other disease surveillance. These volunteers have become the focal persons for health issues in their communities."

Guinea worm also has touched the lives of nonsufferers like Gen. Amadou Toumani Toure, who stepped down as Mali's military leader after voters elected their first democratic president in 1992. He now leads the fight against Guinea worm disease in Mali and other French-speaking nations in Africa.

"It is my deep hope that our varied partners continue to contribute finances and human resources until we eradicate the last Guinea worm," said Gen. Toure, whose mother had the disease when she was a student. "I'm very happy to have played a role in this eradication effort. It is the biggest success of my life."