Carter Center

The Carter Center Logo

The Carter Center is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization founded in 1982 by former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter. The center is dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering, including leading efforts to improve global health, promote democracy, protect human rights, and enhance freedom and democracy. Its headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

History[edit | edit source]

After leaving the presidency in 1981, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter launched The Carter Center in partnership with Emory University to address national and international public policy issues. The Center works by engaging with both high-level government officials and citizens on the ground to solve complex global issues through mediation, observation, and hands-on projects.

Mission and Goals[edit | edit source]

The mission of The Carter Center is to "wage peace, fight disease, and build hope" worldwide. It aims to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. The Center has a long-standing commitment to human rights and alleviating human suffering. It seeks to intervene where it can make a unique contribution to solving global social, economic, and political problems.

Programs[edit | edit source]

Global Health[edit | edit source]

The Carter Center has been instrumental in leading international efforts to reduce the prevalence of diseases such as Guinea worm disease, river blindness, schistosomiasis, and trachoma. Its initiatives focus on public health campaigns that include disease prevention, treatment, and eradication programs.

Peace[edit | edit source]

The Center's peace programs aim to resolve conflicts, promote democracy, and protect human rights. It has been involved in election observation, conflict negotiation, and democracy promotion in various countries around the world. The Carter Center has observed over 100 elections in Africa, Latin America, and Asia since 1989.

Mental Health[edit | edit source]

Initiated by Rosalynn Carter, the Center's mental health program advocates for mental health policy reform and provides support for mental health initiatives. It focuses on reducing stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and substance use issues.

Achievements[edit | edit source]

The Carter Center has been recognized for its significant contributions to improving global health and promoting peace and democracy. Its efforts in nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease are among its most notable achievements. The Center has also played a critical role in observing elections and reducing conflicts in various countries.

Partnerships[edit | edit source]

The Carter Center works in partnership with international organizations, governments, non-profits, and local communities to achieve its mission. These partnerships are crucial for mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and ensuring the sustainability of its programs.