Guinea Worm Disease Nears Eradication with Record Low Cases in 2025
In 2025, only 10 human cases of Guinea worm disease were reported worldwide, marking a significant milestone toward its eradication.
In 2025, the global incidence of Guinea worm disease reached a historic low, with only 10 human cases reported, according to The Carter Center. This figure represents a 33% decline from the 15 cases documented in 2024, bringing the ancient parasitic disease closer to eradication.
The cases were distributed among three countries: Chad and Ethiopia each reported four cases, while South Sudan reported two. Notably, Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Mali reported zero human cases for the second consecutive year.
"President Carter always said he wanted to outlast the last Guinea worm. While he didn’t quite get his wish, he and Mrs. Carter would be proud to know there were only 10 human cases reported in 2025. And they would remind us that the work continues until we reach zero," said Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander.
Since The Carter Center assumed leadership of the eradication campaign in 1986, human cases have plummeted from an estimated 3.5 million annually across 21 countries in Africa and Asia to the current low. The campaign has averted more than 100 million cases among marginalized populations.
Despite the progress in human cases, animal infections remain a concern. In 2025, Chad reported 147 animal infections, a 47% reduction from previous levels. However, increases in Cameroon and Angola contributed to a slight global rise in animal infections.
Guinea worm disease, caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, is contracted through consuming contaminated water. Approximately a year after infection, a meter-long worm emerges from the body, causing severe pain. There is no vaccine or medical treatment; prevention relies on health education, water filtration, and behavioral changes.
The World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA78.14 in May 2025, reaffirming global commitment to accelerate Guinea worm eradication. The Carter Center continues to collaborate with national health ministries and global partners to achieve the goal of complete eradication.