Good-bye Guinea Worm

Guinea worm is not something most of us think about on a regular basis, or ever. And for those of you who aren't familiar with it, hold on, because it's not the latest herbal pill fad. No, it's a parasitic worm that infects people when they drink standing water. Once it's inside someone's body, it can grow to be three feet in length, causing blistering and sometimes crippling.

This devastating parasitic infection used to threaten and infect millions of Africans. 20 years ago, there were 3.5 million cases However, thanks to the tremendous work of the Carter Center, this could be wiped out like smallpox from our planet (yes, for those of you who didn't know already, there's no need to worry about small pox). How did they do this since there's no vaccine or medicine to prevent Guinea worm. Through simple, low-cost techniques such as education and behavior changes. And, this has only cost $225 million, which is small change compared to other major international health initiatives.

There's only 5,000 cases remaining, so what will it take to finally eradicate Guinea worm? There's just a few hurdles remaining and it requires your help! The Carter Center has received a $32 million matching grant challenge from the Gates Foundation. take action today to support this campaign. If you want more information about this nearly successful campaign, watch Good Magazine's short film, "Good Riddance, Guinea Worm."



You can be a true agent of change in the world by supporting the Carter Center's final efforts to eradicate Guinea worm. take action to end the year on a celebratory note by making significant health history today.