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In 1986, The Carter Center began working with ministries of health in India to eradicate Guinea worm. The last known indigenous case was reported in 1996. In 2000, India was honored at an Atlanta ceremony for having stopped Guinea worm disease transmission.

Impact

  • Eliminated Guinea worm disease, making history as the second nation since 1986

At a Glance

1996 Year that transmission of Guinea worm disease stopped in India
Legacy

Guinea Worm

Current Status: Transmission stopped, 1996
Certification of Dracunculiasis Elimination: 2000

When India launched its Guinea worm eradication program in 1983, there were 44,818 cases of the disease reported from seven western states. The last known indigenous case was reported in July 1996, making India the second nation to eliminate the disease since the international campaign, led by The Carter Center, began in 1986. The World Health Organization certified India as free of Guinea worm disease in 2000. That same year, India was honored in a special ceremony at The Carter Center in Atlanta for having stopped Guinea worm disease transmission.

Discover Related Programs

Guinea Worm Eradication Program(opens in new window)
Health Programs(opens in new window)

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