Abstract
Aim: The horror and misery of guinea worm with its attendant negative effects on human health and agricultural production is well documented. This study highlights the efforts made so far globally and nationally to eradicate the scourge. Methods: An update on global guinea worm eradication with emphasis on the Nigerian situation was examined. Documented reports by various experts on guinea worm were examined. There was a brief presentation on some vital facts on guinea worm disease focusing on: what is guinea worm disease, what causes guinea worm, scientific classification, geographical distribution, habitat, transmission/life cycle, economic importance and the eradication efforts. The global eradication efforts covered from 1980 to 2014 while the Nigerian eradication processes covered from 1961 to 2014. Results: The global eradication efforts culminated in the present (2015) situation with only 4 countries (South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and Mali) still having reported cases of guinea worm. The Nigerian eradication efforts culminated in the present (2015) situation when the WHO officially certified Nigeria as a guinea worm-free country (13th December, 2013) and subsequently presented the official certificate to President Goodluck Jonathan declaring Nigeria as a guinea worm-free nation on 17th March, 2014. Conclusion: Nigeria is now free of Guinea Worm Disease. However, four African countries: South Sudan, Mali, Ethiopia and Chad still habour guinea worm presently with 143 cases. Keywords: Guinea worm, Update, Eradication, Global, Nigeria.
Highlights
The fights put up by the International and National governments, organizations, agencies, non- governmental organizations, communities and individuals to reduce and eventually eradicate guinea worm have been subjects of discussions both at International and National Conferences and workshops (Aikhomu et al, 2000; Cairncross et al, 2002; WHO, 2012)
Nigerian Situation Nigeria is free of Guinea Worm Disease
Global Situation The Carter Center, which has spearheaded the global eradication effort with such partners as the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has predicted that guinea worm disease “will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated and the first disease to be eradicated without the use of vaccines or medical treatment” (Nelson, 2012; Carter Center, 2013a)
Summary
The fights put up by the International and National governments, organizations, agencies, non- governmental organizations, communities and individuals to reduce and eventually eradicate guinea worm have been subjects of discussions both at International and National Conferences and workshops (Aikhomu et al, 2000; Cairncross et al, 2002; WHO, 2012). People generally get infected during the rainy season, when stagnant surface water is available. People generally get infected during the dry season, when surface water is drying up and becoming stagnant. The risk for the disease varies by sex, age, profession, and ethnicity These differences reflect how and where people get their drinking water in different areas and countries. Guinea worm disease (GWD) occurs in all age groups but it is more common among young adults 15-45 years old. This may be because of the type of work done by people in this age group. GWD affects some ethnic groups more than others.
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