Guinea worm nearly extinct

Heard this interview on the radio this morning. It was news to me as I didn't know there was an eradication programme in place for this very nasty parasite, nor how successful it was; furthermore, I had no idea that Jimmy Carter was behind it. He hopes to outlive the last guinea worm. I think that's a legacy anyone can be proud of.

From the Carter Center website

Quote:

In 1986, the disease afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people a year in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Today, thanks to the work of The Carter Center and its partners — including the countries themselves — the incidence of Guinea worm has been reduced by more than 99.99 percent to 22* cases in 2015. The Carter Center works to eradicate Guinea worm disease in four remaining endemic countries: South Sudan, Mali, Chad, and Ethiopia.

From the interview, this hasn't required any massive investment in drugs or technology, the results have been mostly achieved through education and support.

via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/1X3dgQA