|
Guinea worm disease is contracted through the consumption of drinking water that is contaminated with microscopic water fleas carrying infective larvae. The debilitating effects of Guinea worm disease include infections, ulcers and arthritis. These conditions prevent those who are infected from performing functions such as farming and caring for their children, literally halting community productivity.
According to The Carter Center, through tireless public health efforts,
Guinea worm is set to become only the second
disease to be eliminated from the world
and the first parasitic disease to be eliminated.
Worldwide cases of Guinea worm disease
have been reduced by 98 percent. The number of
humans infected with Guinea worm disease
dropped from an estimated 3.5 million in
1986 to approximately 35,000 reported in
2003. Further, the World Bank estimates
that the return on investment in Guinea
worm eradication will be nearly 29 percent per
year once the disease is completely eliminated.
|
