What's happened
In 2025, Guinea worm cases dropped to 10 in humans, with animal infections declining. The eradication effort, led by The Carter Center, has reduced cases by over 99.99% since 1986, with only six countries remaining uncertified. Progress continues despite logistical challenges and funding shifts.
What's behind the headline?
The near-eradication of Guinea worm reflects a rare success in global health, driven by community-based interventions and international cooperation. The decline from millions of cases to just 10 in humans demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted education, water filtration, and incentives for reporting cases. However, the persistence of animal infections, especially in Chad, highlights ongoing challenges in completely interrupting transmission. The development of diagnostic tests for animals is a crucial step toward addressing these reservoirs. The political context, including US funding cuts, poses risks to sustained progress, but the commitment from global partners and the WHO resolution indicates a strong collective will. Ultimately, Guinea worm eradication will depend on maintaining focus, innovation, and resource allocation in the final stages, which are often the most difficult.
What the papers say
The articles from Ars Technica, AP News, The Independent, and All Africa collectively underscore the remarkable progress in Guinea worm eradication. Ars Technica emphasizes the disease's history and the importance of complete eradication, while AP News highlights the legacy of Jimmy Carter and the ongoing challenges with animal infections. The Independent celebrates the historic decline in cases and the global effort, noting the political and logistical hurdles faced. All Africa contextualizes the achievement within Carter Center's broader mission and the significance of the WHO resolution. Contrasting opinions are minimal, but some sources focus more on the political implications and funding challenges, while others emphasize community engagement and scientific innovation. Overall, the consensus is that eradication is within reach, but vigilance remains essential.
How we got here
Guinea worm disease, caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, was once widespread across Africa and Asia, with over 3.5 million cases annually in 1986. The eradication campaign, initiated by The Carter Center, focuses on public education, water treatment, and community engagement to eliminate transmission. The disease spreads through contaminated water, with no medical treatment available, making prevention critical. The program has worked closely with governments and international organizations for decades, and recent innovations include diagnostic tests for animals and enhanced surveillance. The effort gained renewed momentum with the 2025 adoption of a WHO resolution to accelerate eradication, despite logistical hurdles and reduced US involvement following political shifts.
Go deeper
Common question
-
How Close Are We to Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease?
Guinea worm disease has been a target for global eradication efforts for decades. Recent progress shows significant declines in human cases, but challenges remain. Curious about how near we are to completely eliminating this disease? Below, we explore the current status, obstacles, and what the future holds for Guinea worm eradication.
-
What Are the Key Global Issues Today?
From deadly mining disasters in Congo to political upheaval in France, and efforts to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm, today’s headlines reveal a complex web of challenges facing the world. Curious about what’s driving these crises and how they connect? Read on for clear answers to your most pressing questions about these major global issues.
-
How Close Are We to Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease?
Guinea worm disease has been a major health challenge for decades, but recent progress suggests we might be nearing its complete eradication. With cases dropping by over 99.99% since 1986, many are wondering just how close we are to finally eliminating this disease. In this page, we'll explore the current status, challenges, and what the future holds for Guinea worm eradication efforts.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping the world today. From tragic disasters to political shifts and global health progress, these stories are crucial to understanding current events. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
-
James Earl Carter Jr. is an American politician and philanthropist who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
-
South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Ethiopia, to the north by Sudan, to the west by the Central African Republic, to the south-west by Democratic Repub
-
Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in north-central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the south-west, Nigeria to the southwest, and
-
Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to
-
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment