Weekly Epidemiological Record, 2026, vol. 101, 7 [full issue]
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World Health Organization
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8 p.
The article summarizes the discussions and recommendations of the Fortieth Meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE), held in October 2025, which reviewed progress towards the global eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease). It provides an overview of the current epidemiological situation, the certification process for eradication, and the evolving challenges posed by infections in domesticated and wild animals. The report also outlines the expanded Guinea Worm Eradication Program research agenda, covering diagnostics, environmental surveillance, disease ecology, population genomics, therapeutics, modeling and implementation research aimed at strengthening surveillance and accelerating interruption of transmission. The report describes advances in the development of diagnostic tools for detecting prepatent infections, environmental DNA methods, genomic surveillance, studies of animal reservoirs, and modelling approaches to support programme planning and evaluate intervention strategies. It highlights how these activities are intended to improve understanding of transmission dynamics, guide surveillance and inform eradication efforts. The ITFDE concludes that continued political commitment, strengthened surveillance, enhanced research, integration of genomic data into programme decision-making, and updated certification frameworks that address animal infections are essential to achieve and sustain global eradication of Guinea worm disease.
25
32
The article summarizes the discussions and recommendations of the Fortieth Meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE), held in October 2025, which reviewed progress towards the global eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease). It provides an overview of the current epidemiological situation, the certification process for eradication, and the evolving challenges posed by infections in domesticated and wild animals. The report also outlines the expanded Guinea Worm Eradication Program research agenda, covering diagnostics, environmental surveillance, disease ecology, population genomics, therapeutics, modeling and implementation research aimed at strengthening surveillance and accelerating interruption of transmission. The report describes advances in the development of diagnostic tools for detecting prepatent infections, environmental DNA methods, genomic surveillance, studies of animal reservoirs, and modelling approaches to support programme planning and evaluate intervention strategies. It highlights how these activities are intended to improve understanding of transmission dynamics, guide surveillance and inform eradication efforts. The ITFDE concludes that continued political commitment, strengthened surveillance, enhanced research, integration of genomic data into programme decision-making, and updated certification frameworks that address animal infections are essential to achieve and sustain global eradication of Guinea worm disease.
25
32