Observed on April 14, World Chagas Disease Day 2025 aimed to raise global awareness about Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions.

This year’s theme, “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease,” highlighted the importance of a collective global response across prevention, disease management, and patient care.

What is Chagas Disease?

A parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, mainly spread by “kissing bugs,” and also through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and mother-to-child transmission.

Global Impact

Chagas disease continues to pose a major public health challenge, silently affecting 6 to 7 million people worldwide, primarily in Latin America, but increasingly spreading to non-endemic regions—causing around 12,000 deaths annually and placing over 100 million people at risk due to migration and lack of awareness.

2025 Theme Focus

Prevent: Vector control and improved living conditions

Control: Early diagnosis and surveillance

Care: Access to treatment and long-term support

Global Action

WHO and PAHO are driving awareness, improving healthcare access, and supporting research for better diagnostics and treatments.

Why April 14?

Commemorates the first diagnosis by Dr. Carlos Chagas in 1909; the day was officially recognized by WHO in 2019.