Guinea worm disease is approaching global elimination after health authorities confirmed only 10 human cases worldwide in 2025, according to international health partners. Officials speaking on February 2 said sustained surveillance and community level interventions have sharply reduced transmission of the parasitic disease, which once affected millions across Africa and Asia.
The World Health Organization and partner agencies credited improved water safety education rapid case detection and containment measures for the progress. Remaining cases were reported in a small number of rural areas where access to clean water remains limited and conflict has disrupted health services.
Health experts cautioned that final eradication efforts are often the most challenging, as isolated cases can still trigger resurgence if monitoring weakens. International donors and governments were urged to maintain funding and vigilance until transmission is fully stopped.
The near elimination of guinea worm disease is being hailed as one of the most significant public health achievements of recent decades.
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