New Documentary Chronicles Jimmy Carter’s Fight Against Guinea Worm

The Carter Center has announced the upcoming release of a documentary titled The President and the Dragon, which highlights former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s dedicated efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease. The film is scheduled to debut on-demand on October 1, 2025, coinciding with what would have been Carter’s 101st birthday. Viewers can access the documentary across platforms including Amazon, Hoopla, and Verizon Fios, with additional services to follow.

Guinea worm disease, also known as Dracunculiasis, is caused by the infection of the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), a parasitic nematode that has affected human populations for millennia. Historical references to the disease can be found in the Egyptian medical text, the Ebers Papyrus, dating back to around 1550 BCE. The disease has long posed a significant public health challenge, with cases peaking at 3.5 million in 1986. Last year, the number of reported cases dropped dramatically to just 15.

Documentary Highlights Human Impact

Directed by Waleed Eltayeb and Ian D. Murphy, The President and the Dragon tells the story of the tireless work undertaken by Carter and a diverse team of public health professionals, local volunteers, and former child soldiers. Together, they navigated treacherous terrains and faced armed conflicts in their mission to combat Guinea worm disease in various regions, particularly in South Sudan and Chad.

Jason Carter, the board chair of The Carter Center and the former president’s grandson, reflected on his grandfather’s commitment, stating, “My grandfather desperately wanted to outlive Guinea worm, and he came remarkably close to doing it. He witnessed firsthand what freeing a community from this terrible disease meant to people’s daily lives, and The Carter Center will keep working until there are zero cases.”

Guinea worm disease is on the brink of becoming the second human disease in history to be eradicated, following smallpox. Eltayeb, a filmmaker based in Dubai, emphasized the significance of the documentary: “This is a story of hope, and of the power of ordinary people in even the most isolated communities to improve their lives. There is no vaccine for Guinea worm disease, so progress comes one village at a time when people work together.”

Production and Distribution

The documentary is produced by Shaun McGuckian of Touchline and Eltayeb, with co-production from Andrew Bishop of Brave Road and Tim Byron Owen. The film is set to be distributed worldwide by Buffalo 8. This collaboration underscores the importance of collective action and community involvement in tackling global health issues.

With its compelling narrative and focus on grassroots efforts, The President and the Dragon aims to inspire audiences worldwide. The documentary not only chronicles a public health victory but also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those fighting against Guinea worm disease.