Honourable Ministers,
Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center,
Excellencies, partners, dear colleagues and friends,
I thank Chad for convening this meeting, along with our dear friends at the Carter Center.
It was my honour to be in N’Djamena in September last year to speak alongside Paige at the high-level meeting on the eradication of Guinea-worm disease.
That moment, like this one, demonstrates the political commitment of the Government of Chad and of all countries affected by the disease.
Just 30 years ago, Guinea-worm disease affected 3.5 million people annually.
Today, we are down to about 15 cases per year for four consecutive years. We are standing on the threshold of a historic public health victory.
This achievement has been driven by the dedication of national programmes, the support of international partners and, most importantly, by the leadership and hard work of local communities and health workers.
Their knowledge, experience and trust have been essential in detecting and managing cases, preventing transmission and sustaining progress.
The progress we have made would also not have been possible without the strong partnership of the late President Carter and The Carter Center.
President Carter and his wife Rosalyn were true champions of global health and equity. They are sorely missed, but their proud legacy continues, including at this World Health Assembly.
A new resolution for dracunculiasis eradication—championed by Chad and other Member States—is poised for adoption.
It will be a fitting tribute to President Carter’s legacy and the tireless efforts of so many.
My friends, we have made much progress, but the final stretch is often the hardest.
To interrupt transmission in the remaining endemic areas and prevent resurgence, we must intensify our efforts.
That means:
expanding access to clean water and health services;
strengthening surveillance and interventions, especially in endemic and cross-border areas;
addressing the impacts of conflict and displacements;
and deepening international collaboration and coordination.
The eradication of Guinea-worm disease will not only mark a public health milestone—it will also stand as a powerful symbol of what we can achieve when we unite behind a common goal.
Together, we can show the world that even the most persistent diseases can be overcome.
I thank you.