Progress toward global eradication of dracunculiasis, 2002-2003.

In 1986, when the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the eradication of dracunculiasis (i.e., Guinea worm disease), an estimated 3.5 million cases occurred in 20 countries, and 120 million persons were at risk for the disease. This report describes the status of the global dracunculiasis eradication program (DEP) as of the end of 2003. The findings indicate substantial overall progress towards eradication in 2003 compared with 2002, a major reduction in cases in Sudan, and an increase in cases in Ghana. Further progress will require 1) increased surveillance in all areas in which dracunculiasis is endemic or was previously endemic, 2) access to areas that lack security, and 3) concentrated efforts in Sudan once peace is achieved.