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Guinea Worm Nears Eradication: A Historic Health Victory?
7 Apr
Summary
- Human guinea worm cases dropped to a record low of just 10 last year.
- The Carter Centre is leading efforts to eradicate the tropical illness.
- Smallpox is the only human illness entirely eradicated to date.
The number of human guinea worm cases has reached an unprecedented low of only 10 infections reported last year. This significant decline marks a crucial milestone in the long-standing efforts to eradicate the painful and debilitating tropical disease.
The Carter Centre, an organization established by former US President Jimmy Carter, is at the forefront of this global health campaign. While progress has been substantial, the complete elimination of the guinea worm parasite remains an immense challenge.
To date, smallpox stands as the sole human illness to have been entirely eradicated worldwide. The ongoing battle against guinea worm raises questions about whether it could become the second disease to achieve this monumental feat.
