Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Guinea Worm Cases Plummet 33% After Carter's Legacy

2/3/2026

45 3

Summary

Story summary

The Carter Center reports 10 Guinea worm cases in 2025, a 33% drop from 2024’s 15.
The decline follows the eradication program and comes a year after the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.
Cases were identified in South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia.
Guinea worm disease is contracted through contaminated water and causes severe pain as the worm emerges.
Since 1986, cases fell from 3.5 million annually to near elimination.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Carter Center reports 10 Guinea worm cases in 2025, a 33% drop from 2024’s 15.
The decline follows the eradication program and comes a year after the passing of former President Jimmy Carter.
Cases were identified in South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia.
Guinea worm disease is contracted through contaminated water and causes severe pain as the worm emerges.
Since 1986, cases fell from 3.5 million annually to near elimination.