But having Carter on board was not just a matter of who he was, but also what he knew. He had been governor of Georgia, where he was deeply involved in public health. He led the eradication of an intestinal parasite in the state and had a keen interest in health policy. “He had a deep understanding of what it takes to get these things done,” said Hopkins.
His involvement brought the issue to the attention of donors, leading to a surge in funding. The center received a grant from the Gates Foundation, which had just been established, and in 1993, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution calling for the eradication of Guinea worm. Carter was named a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organization for Guinea worm eradication. And in 1995, the center established a coalition of donors and partners to fund its work on the disease.
By 2000, the Carter Center had overseen a 98% reduction in Guinea worm cases, from 3.5 million in 1986 to 65,147. The pace has slowed since then — last year’s count was 27 cases — but the center is still at it. The last mile is proving the hardest, as the disease is now confined to remote regions of a handful of countries.
Carter was deeply involved in the work, traveling to affected countries to meet with leaders, and meeting with patients. His travel schedule would make some people half his age blanch. In 2021, when he was 96, he went to Sudan, where he met with the country’s transitional government and visited an area where the disease is endemic. The next year, he visited Nigeria, which also has Guinea worm. And earlier this year, he traveled to Mali to meet with the country’s president about the disease.
As he wrote in his memoir, “The most important thing is to try to help people who are suffering. And I’ve always felt that the Carter Center ought to be involved in areas where the need is greatest.”
He added, “You can’t just sit in the White House and expect things to come to you. You have to go and meet the people, and work with them and learn from them and help them.”
And to the end, he did.
Former President Jimmy Carter’s influence in global health initiatives cannot be understated. His ability to connect with heads of state, international donors, and public media set him apart from other advocates in the field. Carter’s involvement in eradicating diseases like Guinea worm, river blindness, trachoma, and others has had a significant impact on global health outcomes.
One of Carter’s key achievements was securing a substantial donation of the drug ivermectin from the drugmaker Merck to treat river blindness. This historic offer paved the way for the successful treatment of affected communities. Carter’s hands-on approach and moral purpose have inspired progress in tackling seemingly intractable health problems in low-resource settings.
The Carter Center’s efforts to control or eliminate neglected diseases like lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma have been a natural fit for the organization. Carter’s commitment to eradicating Guinea worm, which afflicted millions of people annually, has led to a dramatic reduction in cases. In 2023, only 14 human cases of Guinea worm disease were reported worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the eradication effort.
Carter’s willingness to address hurdles, whether insecurity or political challenges in affected countries, has been instrumental in driving progress. His ability to leverage his influence as a former president to advocate for these causes has made a lasting impact. Carter’s hands-on approach, from visiting villages where programs operate to personally engaging with key stakeholders, has been a hallmark of his leadership in global health.
As the international community continues to work towards eliminating diseases and improving health outcomes, Carter’s legacy as a champion for global health initiatives will be remembered. His dedication to making a difference in the world has set a standard for future generations to follow. Carter’s impact on global health will be felt for years to come, and his contributions will be sorely missed. The world of skincare and beauty is constantly evolving, with new products and trends emerging every day. One of the latest innovations in the industry is the use of probiotics in skincare products.
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