His Atlanta-based Carter Center has also established health programmes which have all but eradicated guinea-worm disease, and is successfully tackling river blindness.

BBC: NEWS | Americas | Ex-President Carter pens novel

Guinea worm is a non-fatal disease transmitted by water fleas living in stagnant water.

CNN: How fight against Guinea worm was won

Guinea worm disease is usually non-fatal, but causes crippling pain and can immobilize its victims from being able to work, farm and function.

CNN: Guinea worm a greater challenge than smallpox

The program in Mali, however, has not been able to operate fully, or at all, in areas occupied by rebel groups, said Ernesto Ruiz-Tiben, director of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program at the Carter Center.

CNN: Rare tropical disease close to eradication

Former President Jimmy Carter negotiated a cease-fire in 1995 to allow health workers to conduct national Guinea worm disease surveillance, treating patients and tracking cases.

CNN: Guinea worm a greater challenge than smallpox