as gary strieker foundhen he went to southern sudan. it is about something we take for granted -- water. his report was produced in association with the global health frontline news project. and we warn you that some of the images in his report are graphic. >> reporter: after decades of civil war in southern sudan, the return of peace is allowing health workers to strengthen their fight against guinea worm disease. guinea worm is contracted by drinking contaminated water. the worms grow in the body for about a year, then emerge slowly for weeks in painful skin blisters that incapacitate and sometimes cripple its victims. people infected with guinea worm spread the disease when they immerse their blisters in water and allow the worm to contaminate it with new larvae, continuing its life cycle. but guinea worm has retreated to only a few african countries. the result of a 22-year eradication campaign led by former u.s. president jimmy carter and the carter center based in atlanta. >> it was a horribleisease, almost indescribably bad. it w

they're moving into a sudan, into indonesia, maybe the southern part of philippines.anistan, they will just go somewhere else. >> rose: this question: the president is now engaged in intense debate and discussion. >> rightfully so. >> rose: at the white house. with members of congress, with members of the military and a range of academic experts. and military experts. do you think before the president makes his decision there ought to be some way to have some kind of national debate about this decision which many people say will be the most important decision of his presidency? >> it is the most important decision of his presidency. >> rose: should there will be a national debate? >> there is a national debate. >> rose: well, is there a national debate taking place or is it taking place inside the white house? >> it's taking place inside the administration and within the halls of congress. it has nnd hit the floor yet of the house and senate. but the moment the president decides and says "this is our strategy," then the congress will debate it. exce you have a command