World Chagas Disease Day

Chagas disease , predominantly affecting impoverished populations in Latin America, is increasingly spreading across continents. With 7 million infections globally and significant mortality rates, it poses a substantial public health threat. An estimated 10,000 people die from Chagas disease every year , and over 100 million people are at risk of acquiring the disease .

Effective prevention and control of Chagas disease requires united, well-trained, and up-to-date health professionals collaborating closely with communities and civil society to address its complex biomedical; social; and environmental challenges .

Promoting initiatives to overcome barriers to healthcare acces s for marginalized populations affected by the disease, as well as advocating for comprehensive care and support systems will improve outcomes for all affected individuals and their families.

Stigmatization isolates sufferers, hindering timely diagnosis and treatment. Ending stigmatization, discrimination or negligence is essential to ensuring proper care for people with Chagas disease.

Share accurate, evidence-based and updated information about risks associated with Chagas disease. Talk about Chagas diseases , without pointing to locations or ethnicity of people affected by the disease. Be empathetic towards people infected with Chagas disease.

Increase investments in capacity and resources towards prevention , diagnosis, management, control, surveillance and screening, starting at primary healthcare level. Be aware that risk of infection is not limited to areas where bugs are found – transmission can also occur by transfusion of blood and blood products, organ transplantation, congenital routes, oral/foodborne routes and laboratory accident. Include Chagas disease in policies related to migration and health.

Advocate for prevention of transmission, early detection, care, epidemiological surveillance, and increased investment, starting at primary healthcare level. Increase investments and work with governments and local health authorities towards funding access to early diagnosis, safe treatment, care, surveillance and screening, starting at primary care level. Get involved the World Chagas Diseases Day Campaign!