Guinea Worm Cases Hit Record Low in 2025, Nearing Historic Eradication
Only 10 human cases of Guinea worm were reported worldwide in 2025, the lowest number ever recorded and a 33% decline from 2024. This brings the waterborne parasitic disease closer to becoming the first in history eradicated without a medicine or vaccine. The Carter Center, which began its eradication campaign 40 years ago, credits strong partnerships and community-based interventions for reducing cases by more than 99.99% since 1986.
Facts First
- Only 10 human cases of Guinea worm were reported globally in 2025, a record low and a 33% decline from 2024.
- The disease is on the verge of being the first parasitic disease eradicated, and the first eradication achieved without a medicine or vaccine.
- The campaign has averted more than 100 million cases since 1986, when an estimated 3.5 million human cases occurred annually.
- Human cases in 2025 were detected in South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia, while Mali recorded zero cases for the second consecutive year.
- Six countries have not yet been certified free of Guinea worm by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has certified 200 countries.
What Happened
The Carter Center reported that 10 human cases of Guinea worm were recorded worldwide in 2025, the lowest number ever documented. This represents a 33% decline from the 15 cases reported in 2024. The cases were detected in South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia, while Mali recorded zero human cases for the second consecutive year. The report follows the one-year anniversary of the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who began campaigning for Guinea worm eradication 40 years ago.
Why this Matters to You
The near-eradication of Guinea worm demonstrates that sustained, community-focused public health campaigns can succeed against neglected diseases. This progress has averted more than 100 million cases of a painful and debilitating illness among some of the world's most marginalized populations over the last four decades. The successful model of using trained community volunteers for health education could be applied to other public health challenges.
What's Next
For Guinea worm to be officially declared eradicated, every country in the world must be certified free of both human and animal infections by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has certified 200 countries, but six countries remain uncertified. The final push for eradication will require continued vigilance, as hundreds of cases are still detected annually in domestic animals, which can also host the parasite.