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Guinea Worm’s Near-eradication Shows What’s Possible for Tropical Diseases

Devex

By 
Kashef Ijaz

Opinion: The world has gone from 3.5 million cases of Guinea worm among people to just 10 cases in 40 years. This is a reason for celebration and for caution, not to give up on reaching full eradication.

I’ve got good news for humankind: The world is on the brink of eradicating Guinea worm disease,Ìýwhich would make it theÌýsecond human diseaseÌýever eradicated after smallpox.

Now for the not-so-good news: The progress toward eradication is fragile,ÌýandÌýall the hard-won gains could be lost without sustained commitment from the global community.

As we commemorate World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day today, the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease is a powerful example of what country-led, global health collaboration can achieve.

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