Guinea Worm in the Niger River

ValleyBy Rebecca Timson and Bert Abbott

Regional BackgroundFor centuries, competition for water access in

the Niger River Basin has interfered with protection of water quality.

Protection of water quality requires transboundary cooperation.

Lacking such cooperation, diseases like guinea worm go uncontrolled.

Early use of the river

Empire and control of the river

Focus on trade

Modern control of the river

Competition for waterHere, a farmer prepares land beside the Niger for planting.

Here, cattle run through a part of the riverbed.

Pollution of the water

Impact of climate change

Transboundary cooperation The Niger Basin Authority aims to:

•Support transboundary development projects

•Improve environmental protection in the basin

But participating countries are not bound by decisions of the NBA, so it has little power.

Local cooperationHere, you see a team of relief workers on the flooded river.

Here, a woman assists with a riverbank reforestation

project.

The Carter Center works to eradicate guinea worms in the region

Guinea Worm as a DiseaseAKA Dracunculiasis, “Affliction with little

dragons”European explorers saw it on the Guinea

coast in the 17th century

How Infection SpreadsInfection by drinking water with water fleas

carrying larvaeIncubation takes 1 yearOften exits through leg/foot

Causes painful burning -> soak blister in waterSore is susceptible to infection

Recontamination of Water

Disease PreventionStop Entry into Body

Use clean water sources Make new water

sources Treat old ones with

larvicidesFilter or boil

drinking water

Disease PreventionStop contamination of water

sourcesCommunity participationControl removal of worm

from bodyKeep ALL feet/legs away

from water

In 1986 , there were 3.5 million cases of guinea worm disease in 21 African and Asian countries.

In 2011, there were only 1,058 cases in four African countries:

Mali, South Sudan, Ethiopia & Chad