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Dracunculiasis eradication
Heightened surveillance and case-containment
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Almost 3.5 million cases of dracunculiasis, also known as guinea worm disease, were reported in the 1980s from 20 countries, worldwide.
A concerted effort to eliminate the disease through a partnership between the governments of endemic countries and a number of organizations has drastically reduced the annual number of reported cases during the past two decades.
Cases reported worldwide 2006–2009
Today, the disease is endemic in only six African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan.
WHO and its main partner, The Carter Center, are consolidating support from the international community, donors, partners and political leaders in endemic countries and communities in order to eradicate guinea worm disease.
The challenge now is to interrupt and contain transmission of all cases by the end of 2009 and subsequently achieve eradication of the disease.
It is crucial to implement stricter methods of reporting as the number of cases become fewer. WHO is now calling for uninterrupted surveillance in all endemic areas of countries at risk for a resurgence or outbreak of the disease.
A parasitic disease
Dracunculiasis is a crippling parasitic disease caused by Dracunculus medinensis, a long thread-like worm. The disease which has afflicted humanity for centuries, is transmitted exclusively by drinking contaminated water.
Guinea worm disease affects people in rural, deprived and isolated communities who depend on open water sources such as ponds. It causes agonizing pain and incapacitates its victims for weeks or months. It also hampers the peak season of agricultural activities and can cause malnutrition among children in households whose able members are affected.
For more information regarding the historical background and also important and relevant dates, follow the link:
Historical background and photo gallery
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