A review of global guinea worm eradication: emphasis on the Nigerian situation

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.