In the maize, yam, and peanut farms of Savelugu-Nanton, a remote district in northern Ghana, Jimmy Carter’s legacy is simpler than it is in his home country of the United States. Thanks to the efforts of his charity, The Carter Center, locals no longer suffer from Guinea worm disease, a parasite that grows in the human body and emerges through the skin before laying larvae in stagnant water to infect others. Carter’s work in eradicating the disease and monitoring elections in developing countries earned him the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2002. He passed away at the age of 100, with his dedication to human rights, peace, and improving lives remembered by those who worked with him. Born and raised in rural Georgia during the Great Depression, Carter worked as a peanut farmer before entering politics. As a Democrat state governor and later as President of the United States, he focused on diplomacy, negotiating peace treaties in the Middle East and working to address global issues. Despite facing challenges during his presidency, including the Iranian hostage crisis and economic struggles, Carter’s commitment to honesty and action left a lasting impact on both domestic and international affairs. He continued his humanitarian work through The Carter Center, helping to combat diseases and promote democracy around the world.
