Chagas disease, also known as « silent or silenced disease », affects mainly poor people without access to health care or people without a political voice. The disease progresses slowly and often shows an asymptomatic clinical course. Without treatment, Chagas disease can lead to severe cardiac and digestive alterations and become fatal. Raising awareness of the disease is essential to improve the rates of early treatment and cure, together with the interruption of its transmission.
The World Chagas Disease Day was celebrated for the first time in 2020.
In 2025 we are shining a spotlight on Chagas disease, the suffering it causes and are calling for equitable access to health care and services for everyone affected by the disease.
The theme for 2025 is Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s role in Chagas disease.
Chagas disease is prevalent among poor populations of continental Latin America but is increasingly being detected in other countries and 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.
Source: Text & Image: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-chagas-disease-day/2025