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THE DISEASES − CHAPTER 4
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4.4 Dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease)
Introduction
With 148 cases reported in 2013 (1), the lowest ever recorded, dracunculiasis is poised
for eradication as targeted in the Roadmap. The disease results from infection with
the nematode Dracunculus medinensis, commonly known as the guinea worm. People become
infected by drinking water containing infected copepods (Crustacea). Once eradicated, ated,
dracunculiasis will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated, that too without any medicine
or vaccine.
Investment case
Disease eradication is the ultimate example of universal health coverage. Eradicating ing
dracunculiasis will ensure that all peoples are forever spared the agony and often
permanent disability that results from the guinea worm. There will also be long-term
economic benefits. A seminal study in Nigeria in 1987 found that farmers were incapacitated
by the disease for an average of 5 weeks. 1,2 In countries where the disease is no longer
endemic, for every US$ 1 invested, agricultural earnings have increased about US$ 1.30. 3
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1
Hopkins DR, Ruiz-Tiben E, Downs P, Withers PC, Maguire JH. Dracunculiasis eradication: the final inch. Am J Trop Med
Hyg. 2005;73:669–75.
2
Guinea worm control as a major contributor to self-sufficiency in rice production in Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria: UNICEF
Water, Environment and Sanitation Section; 1987.
3
Jim A, Tandon A, Ruiz-Tiben E. Cost-benefit analysis of the global dracunculiasis eradication campaign. Washington (DC):
World Bank; 1997 (Policy Research Working Paper No. 1835).