World Chagas Disease Day
14 April 2021
Comprehensive, equitable health care services for all people affected by Chagas Disease
In 2021 we are shining a spotlight on Chagas disease, the suffering it causes and are calling for comprehensive and equitable access to health care and services for everyone affected by the disease.
Chagas disease is prevalent among poor populations of continental Latin America but is increasingly being detected in other countries and continents. It is often termed as a “silent and silenced disease” as the infected majority have no symptoms or extremely mild symptom.
Chagas disease patients comprise risk groups that can present severe forms of COVID-19 and should be prioritized for vaccination. There are approximately 6-7 million people infected with Chagas disease worldwide, with 10,000 deaths, every year.
Message from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO
6–7 million infected, worldwide
Approximately 10,000 disease-related deaths, every year
75 million people risk acquiring the disease
Campaign materials
- General public
- Health workers and health partners
- Decision makers and donors
- Academia and researchers
Chagas disease (also known as American trypanosomiasis)
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi).
More on Chagas disease
Chagas Disease Facts
in pictures
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi).
Mayerlin is free of the parasite that causes the disease. The effectiveness of the treatment is greater in children and in adult patients diagnosed at an early stage.
Feature story: She is one of 39,000
Her name is Mayerlín. She is seven years old and she should not be one of the 39,000 people in the world who will contract Chagas disease this year, and every year.
"Triatomines - Vector of disease" It aims to contribute to a better understanding of the main triatomine species related to the transmission of chagas disease.
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), is a global programme of scientific collaboration that helps facilitate, support and influence efforts to combat diseases of poverty.