by rebecca timson and bert abbott. regional background for centuries, competition for water access...
TRANSCRIPT
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 cooperation
Here, 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