Chad, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners renewed their commitment on Tuesday to eradicating Guinea-worm disease, also known as Dracunculiasis, during a high-level meeting in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital.
“This commitment must ensure access to clean drinking water for all communities, especially those in endemic areas, and mobilize resources to fight the disease,” said Chadian Prime Minister Allah-Maye Halina at the event, which was also attended by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Guinea-worm cases have dropped from an estimated 3.5 million in the 1980s to just 14 in 2023, nine of which are from Chad, according to Tedros. He said only four human cases have been reported globally this year, two in Chad and two in South Sudan, but more effort is needed to eliminate the disease.
Eradicating Guinea worm requires a multi-sectoral approach, cross-border collaboration, and tackling multiple diseases simultaneously, Tedros said, adding that the goal is not just to eradicate one disease but to strengthen health systems that can meet the broader needs of affected populations.
The meeting concluded with participants signing a declaration to bolster efforts against the disease.
Guinea-worm disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis, which infects humans through water contaminated by fleas.
