Contributions of the Guinea Worm Disease Eradication Campaign toward Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kelly Callahan, The Carter Center; Birgit Bolton, Emory University; Donald Roswell Hopkins, Emory University; Ernesto Ruiz Tiben, Emory University; P. Craig Withers, The Carter Center; Kathryn Meagley, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-05-30
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2013 Callahan et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.plosntds.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0002160
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• ISSN: 1935-2727
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: e2160-1
• End Page: e2160-7
• Grant/Funding Information: No specific funding was received for this study.
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Epidemiology; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Infectious diseases have influenced the biological, historical, and political development of the human species more than any other factor: from the outcome of wars to the success of empires, from the pace of technological advance to the structure of society. Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) was considered a mild affliction not warranting a widespread public health campaign. However, examination of the benefits of eradicating Guinea worm disease (GWD) reveals the effort is contributing to development, including contributions to certain Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).