Can we eradicate a second human disease? – podcast

The number of human cases of guinea worm, a painful and debilitating tropical illness, fell to a record low of just 10 last year, according to the Carter Centre, the foundation set up by the late former US president Jimmy Carter.

But despite years-long declines, it remains almost impossible to completely eradicate the parasite.

Only one human illness has been entirely eradicated: smallpox.

Why is it so difficult, and could guinea worm one day be the second?

Ian Sample hears from co-host Madeleine Finlay, and David Molyneux, emeritus professor of tropical disease microbiology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jan/25/guinea-worm-disease-could-be-second-ever-human-illness-to-be-eradicated">Guinea worm disease could be second ever human illness to be eradicated

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