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He spared millions of people from a debilitating parasite

Guinea worm, once a disease that plagued millions, now affects fewer than 20 people worldwide—an incredible transformation driven by Jimmy Carter’s tireless advocacy.

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Credit: LBJ Library and Museum

“I’d like the last Guinea worm to die before I do,” former US president Jimmy Carter told reporters in 2015. While Carter’s passing on December 29, 2024, came before this goal was fully realized, his extraordinary efforts have brought the world to the brink of achieving the unimaginable. Guinea worm, once a disease that plagued millions, now affects fewer than 20 people worldwide—an incredible transformation driven by Carter’s tireless advocacy. His unwavering dedication has not only changed the course of public health but has also made complete eradication a realistic, imminent goal.

In the mid-1980s, former US president and Nobel Prize-winning peacemaker Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy took a turn toward global health when he witnessed the damage caused by Guinea worm disease in rural Ghana. It was an encounter that would shape not only his post-presidency but also the lives of millions of people in some of the world’s poorest regions. As he toured the villages, Carter was confronted by a sight that would forever remain etched in his memory: children and adults alike suffering from the parasitic worms that emerge painfully through the skin, often causing severe physical and emotional distress.

“Once you’ve seen a small child with a two- or three-foot-long live Guinea worm protruding from her body, right through her skin, you never forget it,” Carter reflected in later years (An Hour Before Daylight: A Personal Journey, 2001). His commitment to eradicating this disease would become one of the defining aspects of his post-presidential work.

Carter’s focus on Guinea worm disease and his contributions to global health remain a commendable testament to the role of science and leadership in solving complex public health challenges. Guinea worm disease, also called Dracunculiasis, was a significant health crisis, affecting millions of people annually. It was estimated that around 3.5 million cases of this debilitating disease occurred worldwide each year, primarily in rural communities where access to clean water was scarce. Guinea worm, transmitted through contaminated water, is a parasitic infection that involves the slow emergence of long worms from the skin, causing excruciating pain. The cycle of infection was perpetuated by the human tendency to seek relief by submerging affected body parts in water, inadvertently facilitating the worms’ reproduction.

Jimmy Carter consoles a young patient having a worm removed from her body in Savelugu, Ghana, in February 2007. Credit: The Carter Center

In 1982, the former president and the former first lady Rosalynn Carter established the Carter Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing human rights and improving public health worldwide. Just four years later, in 1986, the organization launched a determined initiative to eliminate Guinea worm disease. This initiative came at a critical moment when the World Health Organization (WHO) set its sights on eradicating the disease globally. The disease’s grip on affected regions demanded a multifaceted approach, and Carter’s leadership brought together political will, scientific expertise, and on-the-ground action to begin a comprehensive campaign against the parasitic threat, along with WHO.

The Carter Center’s strategy was simple yet revolutionary: improve access to clean water, educate communities about prevention, and mobilize local governments and international bodies to take action. One of the key interventions was the provision of filtration devices, called “poultices”, that helped people avoid ingesting copepods, the tiny fleas responsible for spreading the parasite. By ensuring that people had access to clean drinking water, Carter’s team was able to significantly reduce the cycle of infection, ultimately breaking the transmission chain of the parasite.

Carter’s ability to mobilize global resources and create lasting partnerships made Guinea worm disease one of the most successful examples of disease eradication in history. Under his guidance, the incidence of Guinea worm disease plummeted from 3.5 million cases in the 1980s to just 13 reported cases in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease, which had once ravaged communities across parts of Africa and Asia, was now on the verge of becoming only the second human disease in history, after smallpox, to be fully eradicated.

Sharon Roy and Vitaliano Cama, scientists at the CDC who worked closely with the Carter Center, have consistently praised Carter’s leadership. “Carter’s bold vision, leadership, and ability to create political will for supporting Guinea worm eradication in affected countries were instrumental in this success,” Cama remarked (Carter Center, 2022). The fight against Guinea worm disease continues today, but the almost complete eradication of the parasite is a reflection of Carter’s unyielding dedication to improving the health of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

This extraordinary public health achievement is not just a victory for science, but a lasting mark to the power of compassionate leadership in advancing global health. Carter’s work with the Guinea worm eradication program is often cited as one of the most effective and far-reaching scientific interventions of the 20th century. His legacy demonstrates that when science is combined with moral vision and political resolve, great change is possible—even in the most challenging circumstances.

Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 99, after entering hospice care earlier in the year. His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service, humanitarian causes, and advancing global health. Alongside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023, Jimmy Carter left an indelible mark on global health, using his platform to better the lives of those in need.

The nearly eradicated Guinea worm disease stands as one of the greatest successes in the field of public health. As we pay tribute to the late president, it is clear that his scientific interventions and humanitarian work will continue to inspire efforts to combat disease, poverty, and suffering for generations to come. Through his vision and the ongoing work of the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter’s legacy in the world of science and global health will remain an enduring example of the positive impact one individual can have on the lives of millions.

Reference:

  • Carter, Jimmy. An Hour Before Daylight: A Personal Journey. 2001.
  • Vitaliano Cama and Sharon Roy, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Global Guinea Worm Eradication Efforts and Achievements.” Carter Center, 2022.

(The article first appeared in the February 2025 edition of EdPublica magazine)

Society

INM: MIT’s Bold Push to Regain America’s Productive Edge

The ambitious initiative aims at reinvigorating U.S. manufacturing with cutting-edge innovation

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MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth. Image credit: Jake Belcher/MIT

In a move to reshape the future of American industry, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched its Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM), an Institute-wide effort aimed at revitalizing U.S. manufacturing through next-generation technologies, research, education, and deep collaboration with industry.

Announced today, INM seeks to strengthen key sectors of the U.S. economy and spark nationwide job creation. The initiative will bring together MIT’s extensive research capabilities and educational resources to help companies of all sizes increase productivity and build a more resilient and human-centered manufacturing landscape.

“We want to work with firms big and small, in cities, small towns and everywhere in between, to help them adopt new approaches for increased productivity,” MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth wrote in a letter to the Institute community this morning. “We want to deliberately design high-quality, human-centered manufacturing jobs that bring new life to communities across the country.”

“We want to work with firms big and small, in cities, small towns and everywhere in between, to help them adopt new approaches for increased productivity

Kornbluth emphasized the significance of the effort, stating in a media statement: “Helping America build a future of new manufacturing is a perfect job for MIT — and I’m convinced that there is no more important work we can do to meet the moment and serve the nation now.”

Industry Collaboration

INM has already attracted strong industry support, with its first five founding consortium members — Amgen, GE Vernova, PTC, Siemens, and Sanofi — joining forces to fund initial research projects, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence for manufacturing.

“There is tremendous opportunity to bring together a vibrant community working across every scale — from nanotechnology to large-scale manufacturing,” said Anantha Chandrakasan, MIT’s chief innovation and strategy officer and dean of engineering. “MIT is uniquely positioned to harness the transformative power of digital tools and AI to shape the future of manufacturing.”

The initiative will support research, education, and real-world applications — including new manufacturing labs, a “factory observatory” program to connect students with live production sites, and thematic pillars ranging from semiconductors and biomanufacturing to defense and aviation.

Workforce development is also central to INM’s mission. It will include TechAMP, a program designed to bridge the gap between technicians and engineers through collaboration with community colleges, along with AI-powered teaching tools and expanded manufacturing education on campus.

The initiative is co-directed by three MIT faculty: John Hart, head of mechanical engineering; Suzanne Berger, an Institute Professor and political scientist; and Chris Love, professor of chemical engineering. Julie Diop serves as executive director.

At a recent MIT symposium titled “A Vision for New Manufacturing,” Berger underscored the urgency of the moment: “The rationale for growing and transforming U.S. manufacturing has never been more urgent than it is today. What we are trying to build at MIT now is not just another research project. … Together, with people in this room and outside this room, we’re trying to change what’s happening in our country.”

Love added: “We need to think about the importance of manufacturing again, because it is what brings product ideas to people… There is a real urgency about this issue for both economic prosperity and creating jobs.”

Echoing the sentiment, Hart emphasized the long-term significance of the initiative: “While manufacturing feels very timely today, it is of enduring importance… Working with industry — from small to large companies, and from young startups to industrial giants — will be instrumental to creating impact and realizing the vision for new manufacturing.”

A Continuum of Commitment

INM builds on a legacy of MIT initiatives aimed at supporting manufacturing, including the 1989 book Made in America, the Production in the Innovation Economy project, and The Engine, a venture fund launched in 2016 to back hardware-based startups.

As Kornbluth noted in her letter, “We want to reimagine manufacturing technologies and systems to advance fields like energy production, health care, computing, transportation, consumer products, and more… and we want to reach well beyond the shop floor to tackle challenges like how to make supply chains more resilient, and how to inform public policy to foster a broad, healthy manufacturing ecosystem that can drive decades of innovation and growth.”

With its launch, MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing marks a renewed commitment to restoring American manufacturing leadership through innovation, collaboration, and education — aimed squarely at building a stronger, more equitable industrial future.

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EDUNEWS & VIEWS

Harvard Pledges $250 Million for Research After Federal Funding Slash

The administration has defended the funding freeze as part of a broader campaign to address what it characterizes as pervasive anti-Semitism on campuses and to roll back diversity programs

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Image credit: Kalhh from Pixabay

Harvard University has announced a $250 million investment to sustain vital research programs in the face of steep federal funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration.
The move follows a sweeping $2.6 billion reduction in government grants to the Ivy League institution, citing alleged discriminatory practices and refusal to comply with federal oversight mandates. The cuts, which Harvard is actively challenging in court, have already suspended or canceled dozens of projects—some of which were considered critical to public health and technological innovation.

University President Alan Garber and Provost John Manning issued a joint statement on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need to protect research initiatives. “While we cannot fully offset the financial blow from halted federal support, we are committed to backing essential research during this transitional period,” they said. The university is also working with faculty to secure alternative funding channels.

Harvard has strongly criticized the federal measures, calling the termination of grants “unlawful” and accusing the administration of interfering with academic independence. The university contends that the loss of funding not only halts groundbreaking work but also threatens years of scientific progress.

At the heart of the dispute is a broader political clash over university governance. Harvard, whose endowment reached $53.2 billion in 2024, has become a focal point of the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape higher education policy. The White House has demanded greater control over admissions, hiring, and the political climate on campus—demands Harvard has resisted.

The administration has defended the funding freeze as part of a broader campaign to address what it characterizes as pervasive anti-Semitism on campuses and to roll back diversity programs. Critics argue these moves are part of a larger effort to suppress progressive academic culture and penalize dissent over U.S. foreign policy, especially in light of recent student protests against the war in Gaza.

In recent weeks, federal authorities have also taken steps to revoke visas of international students involved in these demonstrations, accusing them of ties to militant organizations—allegations civil rights groups and university leaders have strongly disputed.

With tensions between the federal government and top academic institutions mounting, Harvard’s legal challenge could set a precedent for how universities navigate political interference while safeguarding research, free speech, and academic autonomy.

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Health

Robot Helps Elderly Sit, Stand, and Stay Safe from Falls

The innovation comes at a time when the United States faces a dramatic demographic shift

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Image credit: MIT News/ Courtesy of the researchers

As America’s population ages faster than ever before, a team of engineers at MIT is turning to robotics to meet the growing eldercare crisis. Their latest invention, the Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot—or E-BAR—aims to provide critical physical support to seniors navigating life at home, potentially reducing the risk of injury and relieving pressure on a strained care system.

The innovation comes at a time when the United States faces a dramatic demographic shift. The nation’s median age has climbed to 38.9, nearly ten years older than in 1980. By 2050, the number of adults over 65 is projected to surge from 58 million to 82 million. As demand for care rises, the country is simultaneously grappling with shortages in care workers, escalating healthcare costs, and evolving family structures that leave many elderly adults without daily support.

“Eldercare is the next great challenge,” said Roberto Bolli, a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and one of E-BAR’s lead designers, in a media statement. “All the demographic trends point to a shortage of caregivers, a surplus of elderly persons, and a strong desire for elderly persons to age in place.”

E-BAR is designed to address exactly that challenge. The mobile robot acts as a robotic support system, following a user from behind and offering both steadying handlebars and rapid intervention in case of a fall. It can support a person’s full weight and includes side airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they begin to fall—without requiring them to wear any equipment or harnesses.

“Many older adults underestimate the risk of fall and refuse to use physical aids, which are cumbersome, while others overestimate the risk and may not exercise, leading to declining mobility,” said Harry Asada, the Ford Professor of Engineering at MIT, in a media statement. “Our design concept is to provide older adults having balance impairment with robotic handlebars for stabilizing their body. The handlebars go anywhere and provide support anytime, whenever they need.”

The robot consists of a heavy, 220-pound base equipped with omnidirectional wheels, allowing it to maneuver easily through typical home spaces. From its base, articulated bars extend and adjust to assist users in standing or sitting, and the handlebars provide a natural, unrestrictive grip. In testing, E-BAR successfully helped an older adult complete everyday movements such as bending, reaching, and even stepping over the edge of a bathtub.

“Seeing the technology used in real-life scenarios is really exciting,” said Bolli.

The team’s design, which will be presented later this month at the IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), aims to eliminate the physical constraints and stigmas often associated with eldercare devices. Their approach prioritizes both independence and safety—key values for aging Americans seeking to remain in their homes longer.

While E-BAR currently operates via remote control, the team plans to add autonomous capabilities and streamline the device’s design for home and facility use. The researchers are also exploring ways to integrate fall-prediction algorithms, developed in a parallel project in Asada’s lab, to adapt robotic responses based on a user’s real-time risk level.

“Eldercare conditions can change every few weeks or months,” Asada noted. “We’d like to provide continuous and seamless support as a person’s disability or mobility changes with age.”

As the nation prepares for the realities of an aging population, MIT’s work offers a glimpse into a future where robotics play a central role in eldercare—enhancing both quality of life and personal dignity for millions of older adults.

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