In 2007, in the jointly organized meeting between WHO-HQ and PAHO 'Revisiting Chagas disease: from a Latin American Health perspective to a Global Health perspective' participants coming from 28 countries proposed to increase networking against Chagas disease at global level, as part of WHO’s renewed commitment to tackle neglected tropical diseases and to expand upon the successes in Latin America.

A network of clinicians, biologists, public health specialists, academics and researchers since then has been working together with national health authorities to address this subject under the auspices of WHO. The network, led by WHO, and with the integration of stakeholders, is formed by five Technical Groups (TG) from diverse integration and representation.

TG I on epidemiological surveillance and information systems

Work subjects: geographical and temporal distribution of Chagas disease, including open transmission routes, presence of vectors, infected and ill patients and implemented measures to interrupt transmission, among others.

TG II on prevention of transfusional and organ transplantation transmission

Work subjects: assessment of new kits to screen and diagnose acute and chronic Chagas disease, internal and external quality control procedures, among others.

TG III on diagnostic tests for screening and diagnosis of T. cruzi infections

Work subjects: assessment of commercialized rapid diagnostic tests for serological diagnosis of Chagas disease, among others.

TG IVa on prevention and control of congenital transmission and paediatric case management

Work subjects: Congenital Chagas disease: recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and control of newborns, siblings and pregnant women, WHO database on T. cruzi infection/Chagas disease in pregnant women, congenitally infected newborns and infected children until 15 years - whatever the transmission route of parasites, among others.

TG IVb on prevention and control of non-congenital transmission and adult case management

Work subjects: how to manage a Chagas disease patient at primary health care, Trypanosoma cruzi and HIV co-infection, sentinel centres to monitor and evaluate antiparasitic treatment (pharmacoepidemiology).

For each of the existing Chagas disease challenges different approaches are needed. And TG are invited to identify all possible actors to be involved. Each TG creates annual objectives and methodology and the planning of the working group can include very different annual goals. TG work with communication and in line with the national and international governmental meetings consensus and conclusions in order to exchange updates and technical advice/consultancy.