Three Central African Nations Unite to Eradicate Guinea-Worm Disease by 2030

Three Central African Nations Unite to Eradicate Guinea-Worm Disease by 2030

N’Djamena – Health ministers from Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Chad met on September 17, 2024, to intensify efforts to eliminate Guinea-worm disease by 2030. This commitment aligns with a broader plan to eradicate neglected tropical diseases by the decade’s end. During an international meeting in N’Djamena, they signed the N’Djamena Declaration to halt the disease’s transmission in their region.

The meeting, organized by Chad’s government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Carter Center, emphasized the need for enhanced community surveillance and increased funding for national programs. Ministers discussed the importance of improving access to clean drinking water and regulating pet populations to curb the spread of Guinea-worm disease and rabies.

Chad’s Prime Minister, H.E. Allah-Maye Halina Mahamat, highlighted the significance of the meeting, noting that only five countries worldwide are still affected by this disease, with Chad bearing a significant burden. Over 50% of global Guinea-worm cases and 80% of related animal infections are reported in Chad. The global incidence has drastically reduced from 3.5 million cases in the 1980s to just 14 cases in 2023.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the progress made and emphasized that eradicating the disease is vital for transforming lives and empowering communities. WHO encourages governments to enhance cross-border surveillance and integrate eradication efforts into other health initiatives.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including animal transmission, insufficient water supply, and funding constraints. Continued surveillance and community engagement are crucial to ensure no new cases arise and to achieve the goal of complete eradication.

Source: Africa News