WHO, The Carter Center and Angola Join Forces to Combat Guinea Worm Disease

Cunene, Angola, 28 October 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) organised 2-day field visit to Cunene, Angola to get direct insights into the ongoing efforts to eradicate Guinea Worm disease in Angola, which WHO has been involved in locally since 2020 with the support of The Carter Center. The mission was led by Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Acting Representative, and in conjunction with, Dr. Giorgina Nunes, the Provincial Director of Health in Cunene, and Dr. Cecília de Almeida, the National Coordinator of NTDs at the Ministry of Health.

Over the two days, a productive dialogue with the Vice Governor for Infrastructure and Technical Services showcased the provincial government’s trust in WHO’s strategies. WHO’s persuasive advocacy led various partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, and private sectors, to commit to establishing a regional technical committee, aiming to replicate the success of its national equivalent. On the following day, the delegation’s visit to Namacunde highlighted the collaborative disease detection efforts at the border of Santa Clara, where there are several health surveillance installations supported by SADC, focusing on ailments such as COVID-19, TB, and HIV.

The Delegation visited the administrative zone of Onanime, where they were able to appreciate the efforts to purify water used by the community for various means. During the meeting with the community a highlight was a testimony by Madam Desidéria, whose heartfelt account of her struggle with Guinea worm resonated deeply, reinforcing the important role of WHO’s participation.

The efforts of the WHO are evident in their five-pronged approach: community monitoring of specific interventions such as providing filters, water treatment with larvicide, education, awareness and mobilisation, advocacy, community surveillance, cash rewards, and facilitating sending of samples to CDC Atlanta and cross-border interventions. Notably, 80% of Guinea worm case alerts were reported by volunteers trained by the WHO, underscoring the essential role of the WHO in ensuring continuous and meticulous monitoring.

Dr. Humphrey Karamagi commented, “Our undertaking in Cunene vividly portrays WHO’s commitment at the operational level. Owing to the impressive efforts of the Angolan government and the support from the Carter Center, we’re drawing nearer to our objective. The pending elimination of Guinea worm disease is not solely a WHO achievement; it’s a victory for Angola.”

Onanime’s community is a clear indication of the possibilities when global agencies, governmental institutions, local partners, and communities unite. Their independent water purification techniques are representative of empowerment, demonstrating that with appropriate resources and direction, communities can lead on their health issues.

The mission demonstrated the spirit of cooperation among WHO, the Angolan government, the Carter Center, and the communities of Cunene conveys a potent message globally. When solidarity aligns with resolve, even the toughest health challenges can be resolved.

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