Jarweng, a remote village in South Sudan, thought it had escaped the scourge of Guinea worm disease.
However, the emergence of four cases in 2021, including infections in children, has brought the debilitating disease back to the forefront.
Nyingong Aguek, a resident of Jarweng, vividly recalls her own painful experience with Guinea worm. “Having the worm pulled out is more painful than giving birth,” she says, pointing to the scars on her leg. 
The Carter Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to global health, had successfully led the fight against Guinea worm in South Sudan, bringing cases to near zero. However, the recent resurgence has necessitated their return to the region.
The organization is now working closely with the community, conducting house-to-house visits to raise awareness about Guinea worm and its prevention. This includes educating residents on identifying potential sources of infection, distributing water filters, and teaching proper usage.
Furthermore, the Carter Center is expanding its efforts to include animal surveillance, as one of the recent cases was detected in a dog.
The re-emergence of Guinea worm in South Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in eradicating neglected tropical diseases.
Continued vigilance, community engagement, and robust public health interventions are crucial to prevent future outbreaks and ultimately achieve a Guinea worm-free world.
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