Jimmy Carter's humanitarian contributions have reshaped global public health and humanitarian efforts. Following his presidency, he dedicated five decades to tackling neglected diseases and improving healthcare access, with his impact increasingly acknowledged worldwide.

After losing the 1980 election, Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in 1982, focusing on human rights and alleviating suffering globally. The Center has been instrumental in observing more than 100 elections across 39 countries and spearheading health initiatives that aimed to eradicate neglected tropical diseases. This included his fight against the Guinea worm disease, once afflicting millions.

Dr. Julie Jacobson, a former Gates Foundation executive, remarked, "He was a true champion for the neglected tropical diseases, which are some of the most common infections of people who live with the least resources" (ABC News). His determination to eliminate Guinea worm disease began with a staggering 3.5 million infections annually in 1986 across 21 countries. Today, thanks to the grassroots campaigns initiated by Carter, the incidence is projected to be as low as 14 cases in 2023, representing a remarkable 99.99% reduction (Carter Center).

In a candid 2015 interview, Carter expressed his aspirations for the eradication of this ancient disease, stating, “I would like the Guinea worm to die before I do.” His sentiments resonate with the significant achievements already made, as the program emphasizes behavioral changes, the use of water filters, and community engagement to tackle this issue.

Beyond Guinea worm, Carter also focused on river blindness, a debilitating disease caused by parasitic infections. The Carter Center collaborated with pharmaceutical giant Merck, facilitating over 500 million treatments of Mectizan to combat this condition, which still affects millions in Africa and Latin America. His commitment to these global health issues continued through extensive programs aimed at eliminating diseases like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma, which lead to preventable blindness.

Moreover, Carter's dedication extended into the domain of mental health. He created the Presidential Commission on Mental Health and pushed for policies that would improve access to mental health services across the country. The former president worked diligently with organizations to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues, establishing a vital foundation that many advocates build upon today. "They truly got it out [in] the conversation," remarked Dr. Usha Ramakrishnan of Emory University, highlighting the Carters' transformative influence on mental health advocacy.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's annual participation in Habitat for Humanity projects further showcased their commitment to helping those in desperate need. Since their first involvement in 1984, through the Carter Work Project, they worked alongside countless volunteers to build and repair homes for those affected by poverty.

As the world reflects on his monumental life, it is clear that Jimmy Carter has redefined what it means to lead a meaningful post-presidential life. His legacy is not just marked by his term in office but also by his steadfast commitment to improving global health, fighting for human rights, and supporting effective humanitarian efforts, leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

For further insights, refer to the original articles on CNN and ABC News.