On December 29, 2024, the world bid farewell to a tireless advocate for health, justice, and human dignity, President James Earl 'Jimmy' Carter. His remarkable contributions to global health, particularly neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), have left an indelible mark on our world.
Dr. Alison Krentel, Principal Investigator at the Threads Lab, shares a tribute to President Carter, reflecting on his profound legacy and the inspiration he continues to provide:
"As I watched the State Funeral of President Carter today, I was inspired once again by the incredible legacy that he has left behind for us to carry forward. Although I never had the privilege to work directly with him, I frequently saw the impacts of his commitment and unwavering support to end the scourge of neglected tropical diseases or NTDs.
As a researcher in NTDs, I have collaborated with the Carter Center and seen the gains that have been made to get rid of these diseases of poverty. In December last year, as I rode through Abobo District in Ethiopia, the evidence of President Carter's efforts to eradicate guinea worm were seen in posters affixed on village shops, school buildings and even trees (pictured). In the NTD community, we often remarked that President Carter would live until the last guinea worm died. With only a few cases remaining in 2024, we are so close to seeing the end of this terrible ancient disease.
An educational poster on Guinea worm disease prevention affixed to a tree in rural Ethiopia.
By shedding light on these neglected diseases, President Carter in fact championed neglected people. With five years left until the end of the Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO NTD 2030 Roadmap, we must continue President Carter’s legacy and work together to see the end of these diseases and improve quality of life for nearly 1.6 billion people affected by NTDs. I’m proud to work alongside all of the incredible people and organizations who are dedicated to this cause and to ensuring no one is left behind.
At a time when national budgets are constrained, when we are faced with increasing challenges due to climate change and conflicts, when our divisions seem greater than ever, President Carter reminds us, “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes and we must.” We’re so close to reaching our goals, we must choose to continue. Thank you, President Carter, for inspiring us throughout your life and even in your passing. May you rest in peace."
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