Announcement of Major Financial Commitment to Final Eradication of Guinea Worm Disease

Photos: Carter Center Press Conference

Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Carter Center President and CEO John Hardman, M.D. (right), and Carter Center Global 2000 Program Director Craig Withers (left) announce a $55 million commitment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Kingdom Department for International Development toward final eradication of Guinea worm disease.



Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announces the reduction of cases of Guinea worm disease to fewer than 5,000 worldwide.



Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

Today, cases remain in only six African nations. When the eradication campaign began in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million cases in 20 nations in Africa and Asia. Since then, worldwide cases have been reduced by 99.7 percent.

Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

John Hardman, M.D., president and CEO of The Carter Center, addresses press conference attendees.




Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

The $40 million financial commitment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation represents the largest challenge grant in the Carter Center's history. An additional $15 million has been pledged by the United Kingdom Department for International Development.




Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

A member of the media directs a question to panelists during the Dec. 5, 2008 press conference held at The Carter Center in Atlanta.

Carter Center Photo: Gary Chapman

Guinea worm is poised to be the second disease eradicated from Earth. Fewer than 5,000 cases remain in six African countries.

Guinea Worm Cases Hit All-Time Low: Carter Center, WHO, Gates Foundation, and U.K. Government Commit $55 Million Toward Ultimate Eradication Goal

Watch archived webcast of Dec. 5, 2008, press conference