The Guinea Worm Slayer - 2013 | The New York Times

Summary

Dr. Donald Hopkins, a global health expert, is passionate about eradicating guinea worm disease, much like he did with smallpox. In his Chicago home, filled with woodpecker memorabilia, he reflects on his efforts to eliminate this parasitic infection, which afflicts people in areas with contaminated water. Teaming up with former President Jimmy Carter, Hopkins has reduced guinea worm cases from 3.5 million in 1986 to fewer than 600 today. Drawing on personal experiences with discrimination, he approaches affected villages with empathy. Guinea worm disease is poised to become the second human disease to be eradicated.

Takeaways

• 🪶 Dr. Donald Hopkins has a fascination with woodpeckers, which stems from childhood memories.
• 🌍 Hopkins has had a long and successful career in global health, playing a key role in eradicating smallpox.
• 🦠 A jar in his office contains a preserved guinea worm, symbolizing his efforts to eliminate guinea worm disease.
• 🚰 Guinea worm disease is contracted through contaminated water and is extremely painful, particularly for children.
• 🤝 Hopkins has worked since 1986 with former President Jimmy Carter to eradicate guinea worm disease.
• 📉 The number of guinea worm cases has dropped from 3.5 million in 1986 to fewer than 600 in recent years.
• 🌱 Guinea worm disease primarily remains in one county in South Sudan, with a small geographic area still at risk.
• 🧪 Unlike smallpox, guinea worm disease has no vaccine or treatment; prevention involves using cloth filters for drinking water.
• 👥 Hopkins' experience with discrimination in the U.S. South has shaped his sensitive approach to working with villagers in affected areas.
• 🏆 Guinea worm disease is on track to become the second human disease to be eradicated, after smallpox, and the first parasitic disease.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Donald Hopkins?

Dr. Donald Hopkins is a global health expert who played a key role in the eradication of smallpox and has been working to eliminate Guinea worm disease.

Why does Dr. Hopkins have a fascination with woodpeckers?

Dr. Hopkins developed a fascination with woodpeckers after seeing a pair of them on oak trees near his grandmother's house as a child. He found them remarkable, and the fascination has stayed with him.

What role did Dr. Hopkins play in eradicating smallpox?

Dr. Hopkins developed unique strategies to target and vaccinate populations during the global effort to eradicate smallpox.

What is Guinea worm disease?

Guinea worm disease is a parasitic infection caused by drinking water contaminated with larvae. After about a year, the mature worms, which can be up to three feet long, emerge painfully through the skin.

Why did Dr. Hopkins name his preserved Guinea worm 'Henrietta'?

Dr. Hopkins named the preserved Guinea worm 'Henrietta' because all the worms that emerge from human bodies are female. He humorously said that 'God only knows where Henrietta came from' in his mind.

How does Guinea worm disease affect the lives of infected people?

Guinea worm disease is painful and disruptive, preventing people from working and attending school, which severely impacts their productivity and quality of life.

What progress has been made in eradicating Guinea worm disease?

Since Dr. Hopkins began his work with former President Jimmy Carter in 1986, cases of Guinea worm disease have dropped from 3.5 million to fewer than 600, with most cases now confined to a single county in South Sudan.

Why is there no vaccine for Guinea worm disease?

Unlike smallpox, there is no vaccine or treatment for Guinea worm disease. The only way to prevent it is by ensuring that people do not drink water contaminated with immature worms.

How has Dr. Hopkins’ background influenced his approach to public health work?

Dr. Hopkins believes that growing up Black in the segregated Southern United States during the 1940s made him sensitive to discrimination and condescension. This experience has influenced his respectful approach to working with villagers and local communities.

What is the significance of Guinea worm disease being eradicated?

If successful, Guinea worm disease will be the second human disease eradicated, after smallpox, and the first parasitic disease to be eradicated. It marks a major achievement in global health.