After losing his re-election bid in 1980, Jimmy Carter redefined the role of a former U.S. president. His humanitarian efforts, from the Carolinas to Ethiopia, became his defining legacy, far outshining his achievements in the White House.

In 1982, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center, dedicated to promoting human rights and easing global suffering. The Center quickly became influential in fostering peace, observing over 100 elections in 39 countries, and focusing on neglected diseases and health education.

One of Carter’s most ambitious projects was the battle to eradicate Guinea worm disease. This parasitic infection, believed to be the “fiery serpent” mentioned in the Bible, infects people through contaminated water, causing intense suffering. In 1986, when the Carter Center launched its campaign, the disease affected 3.5 million people. By 2022, the number of reported cases had dropped to just 13, illustrating the remarkable success of Carter’s plan, which relied on changing behaviors and distributing water filters, despite there being no vaccine for the disease.

Another significant health initiative led by the Carter Center was the fight against river blindness, a parasitic infection spread by black flies, which affects millions in Africa, Latin America, and Yemen. Carter’s strategy involved education and the distribution of Mectizan, a medicine that kills the larvae causing the disease. Thanks to the Carter Center’s efforts, river blindness transmission was eliminated in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala, with ongoing efforts in countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.

In addition to these health initiatives, Carter’s volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity has been extraordinary. In 1984, the Carters began helping to build homes for those in need. Over the years, they have worked alongside volunteers to construct and repair thousands of homes. By 2016, Carter and his wife had worked with over 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries, positively impacting the lives of countless families.

Carter’s post-presidency work serves as an inspiring example of how one individual can make a profound difference in the world, focusing on global health and housing while bringing hope to communities in need.