Throughout the 1980’s, 3.5 million people worldwide were struck with Guinea worm disease. Common in Africa and Asia, the disease occurs when people drank water infected with the parasite’s larvae. Over time the larvae can grow into a worm up to 100 centimeters long in the victim’s digestive track then will pierce through the skin to escape from the victim’s body. Thanks to education about contaminating drinking water and providing simple filters, the disease is nearly eradicated; having only 126 cases of the disease in 2014.

This brings hope for the future and shows what potential we have as a global society. Imagine what other pathogens and disease we can eradicate if expand our reach and provide complete water filtration to all. Stories like this can only show cynics that positive change can occur if we are committed to our goal. For more on Guinea worm disease’s demise, please click here:: Defeating Disease: Exhibit Shows Guinea Worm’s Eradication