Dracunculiasis

Dracunculiasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease. The name dracunculiasis is derived from the Latin word ‘affliction with little dragons’, while the name ‘guinea worm’ appeared after Europeans saw the disease on the Guinea coast of West Africa in the seventeenth century. Guinea worm disease (GWD) is one of the oldest known human parasitic diseases. It is a painful and debilitating disease widespread in humans in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. It primarily affects poor, rural communities and has an enormous adverse impact on agricultural production and school attendance. Infection is close to being eradicated. Guinea worm disease derived its common name from its prevalence in the Gulf of Guinea.