Carter Center's Mission: Defeating Guinea Worm

The Carter Center's extensive efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease are on the cusp of a major triumph. As of early 2026, only 10 human cases of the debilitating parasitic infection have been reported globally, a dramatic reduction from an estimated 3.5 million afflicted people in 21 countries when the campaign began decades ago. This monumental achievement is primarily due to innovative strategies focused on behavioral changes within affected communities, rather than medical interventions like vaccines or drugs. The initiative encouraged millions to adopt practices such as filtering drinking water and preventing infected individuals and animals from contaminating water sources. Former President Jimmy Carter, who founded The Carter Center with his wife Rosalynn, prioritized Guinea worm eradication even after leaving the White House and continued to seek updates on the mission until his home hospice care began in 2023. His personal commitment and significant fundraising, which poured $500 million into the fight, were instrumental in persuading manufacturers to donate necessary supplies and raising global awareness. The World Health Organization's target for eradication is 2030, but The Carter Center hopes to achieve this milestone sooner, marking only the second time a human disease has been eradicated, following smallpox.