World Chagas Disease Day
14 April 2025
Prevent, Control, Care:
Everyone’s role in Chagas disease
7 million people infected
globally
Approximately 10,000 deaths
every year
100 million people at risk
globally
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.
It is often termed as a “silent and silenced disease” as the infected majority have no symptoms or extremely mild symptom. 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.
Message from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO
Voices of Chagas: A disease that knows no borders
Chagas disease continues to affect more than 6 million people worldwide and is one of the most prevalent public health problems in Latin America and, increasingly, on a global scale. In the last decades, migratory patterns have spread the disease to areas where it was previously unknown, including the United States of America and many countries in Europe.
The Kissing Bug doctors of Florida
Over 300,000 people live with Chagas disease in the US, but very few people have been tested and treated. In Gainesville, Florida, a group of scientists and doctors led by Dr Norm Beatty at the University of Florida are trying to end the neglect of this parasitic killer.
For an Argentina free of Chagas disease
Maria’s story and learn about her experience with the treatment
Maria, aged 42, discovered that she had Chagas disease during a diagnostic operation conducted by the Mundo Sano Foundation. Although she was informed that she could undergo treatment, she was hesitant, fearing that it might be harmful due to her age. However, she overcame her reservations and followed the advice of the Mundo Sano Foundation physician, who provides care to residents of the rural area of Añatuya – including the “Mala Cara” area where Maria lives, in the province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
Listen to Silvina’s story and learn about her journey with the disease:
Silvina, aged 45, has always lived in “Mala Cara”, a rural area in the interior of the Province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. She had never worried about Chagas disease, as she knew her children did not have it. However, in 2019, out of “curiosity”, and having accompanied her nephew to the place where the Mundo Sano Foundation was conducting Chagas disease diagnoses, she decided to have a blood test – and the result was “positive”. Initially, she felt afraid, as living in the countryside made her unsure about whether treatment would be available. Nevertheless, she proceeded with the treatment and experienced no adverse reactions.
Learn about Pamela and her son’s inspiring journey
Pamela discovered that Tiago, her first child, had Chagas disease when she participated in one of the diagnostic and treatment access campaigns organized by the Mundo Sano Foundation. Although she had previously been informed that her son might test positive, she had never received a confirmatory blood test result. With the unwavering support of his entire family, Tiago began treatment at the age of eight. After several follow-up check-ups, Tiago, now 13 years old, is proud to say that he no longer has Chagas disease.