The eradication of Guinea Worm Disease: a possible global public health achievement
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Medicine and the Person
Abstract
Guinea worm disease, classified as a neglected
tropical disease, is one of the two diseases nearing eradication.
When in 2015 the world’s leaders will evaluate the
progresses toward the achievement of the MDGs, most
likely both diseases will no longer affect humanity. GWD
was eradicated in Uganda despite the country was plagued
by poverty and civil unrest especially in the most affected
northern regions. Keys to the success of the Uganda Guinea
worm eradication programme were realist strategies of
community involvement focusing on positive behavior
changes. The role of motivated health workers played a
crucial role, especially in understanding the lives of people
and adapting culturally adequate health messages. The
achievement of this public health success was based on a
coordinated international support, effective national health
policies, public-private partnerships, and local authorities’
involvement allowed.
Description
Keywords
Guinea worm disease (GWD), Dracunculus medinensis, Neglected tropical diseases (NTD), Uganda
Citation
Ciantia, F., Odong, T., & Oyoo-Odoch, N. (2013). The eradication of Guinea Worm Disease: a possible global public health achievement. Journal of Medicine and the Person, 11(2), 88-93. DOI 10.1007/s12682-012-0129-7