Guinea worm disease inched closer to eradication

Published: 5th Mar, 2024

Context

Global efforts have dramatically reduced Guinea worm disease from over 3.5 million cases in the 1980s to just six cases in 2023, marking a significant stride towards eradication.

The declining numbers (WHO data)

There were more than 3.5 million cases of this disease in the 1980s.
The cases dwindled to 14 cases in 2021, 13 in 2022, and just six in 2023.

Where does India stand?

India eliminated Guinea worm disease in the late 1990s.
Measure taken by India: rigorous campaign of surveillance, water safety interventions, and community education.

What is guinea worm disease?

Guinea worm disease, also called dracunculiasis, is caused by a parasite called guinea worm (Dracunculusmedinensis).
- A parasite is an organism that feeds off another organism to survive.
The worm's larvae are carried by water fleas found in stagnant water in ponds, open wells, and freshwater lakes.
When someone drinks contaminated water, the larvae can invade their stomach and intestines.
Treatment: There is no drug to treat Guinea worm disease and no vaccine to prevent Guinea worm infection.
By 2021, only five countries remained endemic – Mali, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Angola.

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Guinea worm disease inched closer to eradication

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