Jimmy Carter hopeful for Guinea worm eradication in Africa
Source: AP
By JASON PATINKIN
JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Former US President Jimmy Carter says that Guinea worm disease may soon be eradicated, which would be the most exciting accomplishment of his career, although progress is hampered by ongoing conflict in Mali and South Sudan.
Carter has led a campaign since 1986 through his foundation, the Carter Center, to rid the world of the once-widespread disease. With only 22 cases worldwide last year, they may now be on the cusp of wiping it out forever.
"It'd be the most exciting and gratifying accomplishment of my life," the 91-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Carter spoke on a call to South Sudan from London, where the former president is visiting. Carter was to address the House of Lords Wednesday to speak about the campaign against the Guinea worm.
Guinea worm is caused by a water-borne parasite that, once ingested, grows over a year inside a person's body into a three-foot-long parasite which burrows out a patient's skin through a painful blister. There is no cure, so infected patients must wait for weeks as the worm is excruciatingly pulled out by being slowly wrapped around a stick.
FULL story at link.
Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/12d131a1628942de99ff03f62175e75b/jimmy-carter-hopeful-guinea-worm-eradication-africa
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