A guinea worm is a long thin parasite that infects the body through contaminated drinking water. This disease is very close to being eradicated worldwide. This will be the second disease of humans that has been completely eradicated. Former US president Jimmy Carter has been leading the fight against the disease. Carter said about $60 million is needed to finish. So far $250 million have been used for vaccinations and treatments. The Carter Centre, a non-profit organization founded by him and his wife, began the eradication of this disease in 1986. In 1995 Carter negotiated a six-month ceasefire so that he could get to the places where his organization was needed the most. Some of the poorest men, women, and children were living in Sudan and suffering from this terrible disease.
3.5 million cases of guinea worm disease have been reduced by 99.9% in 21 countries and now there are less than 1,000 a year. This is a great accomplishment. The world has greatly benefited from the eradication of smallpox and will do the same for guinea worm disease. This disease has been affecting poor people in countries all around the world. Eliminating the disease can help economies by allowing the people to be more productive. It also helps developed countries like the US who are helping these people fight the disease because they are able to put resources in other areas of need for different countries. After this disease is eradicated we can put the focus on other diseases and issues that are killing people every day.
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