How Jimmy Carter’s global health efforts elevated ‘the art of the possible’

The former president, who died Sunday at age 100, left a huge legacy in global health.

Log In    Subscribe BREAKING NEWS   How Jimmy Carter's global health efforts elevated 'the art of the possible' By Helen Branswell The Carter Center Former President Jimmy Carter's oft-stated desire was to see the last Guinea worm die before he did. Though America's 39th president, who died Sunday at age 100, did not quite achieve that dream, he left a huge legacy in the field of global health. The causes he espoused are diseases whose names most of us barely know. Onchocerciasis, or river blindness. Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms. Trachoma, which also causes blindness. Lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease that attacks the lymphatic system, leading to grossly swollen limbs or elephantiasis. And Guinea worm. READ MORE Be the first to know Get instant notifications for the topics and reporters you choose with STAT+ Email Alerts. In Case You Missed It Health Care's Colossus: Inside STAT's investigations of UnitedHealth By Rick Berke People from India remember life before the polio vaccine. They don't want to go back By Anil Oza Gender-affirming surgery disappeared from the U.S. for decades. Now the field is fighting to keep its gains By Theresa Gaffney Three issues to watch in global health in 2025 By Helen Branswell Don't miss out on another STAT Investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2024, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us