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Dracunculiasis eradication
Dracunculiasis or guinea-worm disease
Dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease) has been known since antiquity. It is believed that the 'fiery serpent' which afflicted the Israelites during their exodus was Dracunculus medinensis. The disease probably existed in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean as indicated in several text from Pharaoic Egypt and Assyrian Mesopotamia. The disease was mentioned by Greek, Roman and Arab-Persian philosophers and physicians.
For more information regarding the historical background and also important and relevant dates, follow the link:
Historical background
A parasitic disease
This parasitic disease causes dreadful suffering and disability among the world's most deprived people. The disease reappears each year during the agricultural season, handicapping farmers, mothers and schoolchildren already weighed down by harsh living conditions and often existing just above survival level. Families affected by the disease experience great loss: their food stocks and savings gradually dwindle away, they are no longer able to participate in vaccination campaigns and the children's schooling increasingly suffers. Gradually worn down by penury, these underprivileged people find themselves trapped in a vicious circle of poverty and disease.
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Remaining a major public health problem
Dracunculiasis continues to be a major public health problem among many rural communities in Africa, which depend upon unprotected water sources for drinking. It was until recently ranked among the most neglected diseases of mankind. However, The success in eradicating smallpox has inspired several organizations to exert efforts to eradicate the disease.
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