Mobilization Strategy for Guinea Worm Eradication in Nigeria

Luke D. Edungbola Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Luke D. Edungbola in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
P. Craig Withers Jr Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by P. Craig Withers Jr in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Eka I. Braide Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Eka I. Braide in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Oladele O. Kale Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Oladele O. Kale in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Lola O. Sadiq Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Lola O. Sadiq in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Ben C. Nwobi Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Ben C. Nwobi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Teju Alakija Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Teju Alakija in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Patrick McConnon Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Patrick McConnon in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Donald R. Hopkins Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Global 2000, Inc., The Carter Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Ibadan, Department of Disease Control and International Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2000, Inc., Federal Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Nigeria

Search for other papers by Donald R. Hopkins in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1992.47.529
Volume/Issue:
Volume 47: Issue 5
Page(s):
529–538
Restricted access
Get Permissions

The transformation of dracunculiasis from an obscure and neglected rural disease to the highly visible target of a national eradication campaign in Nigeria is described in this report. This process progressed through four overlapping stages: documentation of the extent and nature of the disease as a national problem, demonstration in Nigeria that dracunculiasis could be effectively prevented by targeted provision and use of protected rural water supplies, mobilization for community participation in, and political support of, the eradication effort, and implementation of interventions nationwide. The conduct of the first national village-by-village search for cases and documentation of the adverse socioeconomic impact of the disease (e.g., on rice production) in Nigeria were the key elements used to solicit greater attention to the problem and mobilize support for its eradication. The critical role of the mass media in this effort and other benefits of this mobilization strategy are also highlighted.
Copyright:
Copyright © 1992 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1992
Published Online:
Nov 1992
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 334 112 2
Full Text Views 21 0 0
PDF Downloads 22 0 0
 
Membership Banner
 
 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save