Guinea Worm Eradication Threatened by Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories
In 2025, there were only 10 reported cases of Guinea worm infections across three countries, marking a historic low according to The Carter Center. This represents a 33% decrease from the previous year, with Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan reporting the cases. The Carter Center, instrumental in the eradication program launched in the mid-1980s, continues its efforts by collaborating with health ministries and other organizations, and is developing diagnostic tests for animals to further advance the eradication. Guinea worm, which has no treatment, is contracted by consuming water containing larvae and would be the second disease eradicated after smallpox.
John Q. Hosedrinker