Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president to make a state visit to sub-Saharan Africa, declaring “the day of the so-called ugly American is over.” The booming region is where the legacy of Carter's human rights work remains most evident. Earlier presidents showed little interest in Africa. Carter promoted democracy across the continent and nearly fulfilled his quest to eliminate guinea worm, a parasitic disease that once afflicted millions. Ethiopia's health minister says “President Carter worked for all humankind irrespective of race, religion, or status.” Ethiopia has more than 110 million people, with just one guinea worm case reported last year.
