World Chagas Disease Day 2026: PAHO and the Global Chagas Coalition highlight the central role of women in eliminating the disease

Washington, D.C., April 13, 2026 (PAHO) - For World Chagas Disease Day (April 14), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Global Chagas Coalition called for strengthening the response to this disease and highlighted the role of women in early detection, prevention, and care.

Under the theme "Women at the heart of care, protecting the next generation" this year's observance underscores the key role women play in family and community caregiving, as well as their greater interaction with health services, particularly during pregnancy.

"Eliminating Chagas disease as a public health problem requires placing women at the center of diagnosis, treatment, and care strategies," said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. "Ensuring timely access to quality health services, particularly for women of reproductive age, is essential to prevent new infections and advance toward the elimination of congenital Chagas disease in the Region of the Americas," he added.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is primarily transmitted by triatomine insect vectors, although it can also spread through oral transmission, blood transfusion, and mother-to-child. It may be asymptomatic in its early stages and but can lead to severe cardiac and digestive complications years or even decades later.

According to PAHO data, in the 21 endemic countries of the Americas, approximately 7.5 million people are living with the infection, more than 100 million are at risk, and around 30,000 new cases and 10,000 related deaths are reported each year. The disease also represents a significant economic burden, with an estimated annual cost of $500 million and the loss of approximately 770,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Demographic changes and migration have increased the importance of non-vector transmission, particularly mother-to-child transmission. It is estimated that between 2% and 8% of infected pregnant women transmit the parasite to their babies, resulting in around 9,000 new cases each year through this route.

Congenital transmission represents one of today's main challenges, but also a key opportunity for effective intervention. Strengthening screening in maternal and child health services and ensuring access to diagnosis and treatment are essential to break the cycle of transmission.

"The role of women in the fight against Chagas must not and should not translate into an additional burden or exclusive responsibility for them," said organizations from the Secretariat of the Global Chagas Coalition. "On the contrary, it represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen more equitable, accessible, and responsive health systems that recognize and respect women's needs."

To advance toward elimination, PAHO and the Global Chagas Coalition emphasize the importance of expanding access to early diagnosis and timely treatment-especially for women of reproductive age-integrating screening into maternal and child health programs, strengthening primary health care, and promoting sustained public policies and intersectoral coordination.

PAHO, its Member States, and strategic partners such as the Global Chagas Coalition continue to work together to raise awareness and promote a collective response under the principle of leaving no one behind.

Congenital Chagas disease is part of PAHO's Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 diseases and related conditions in the Region of the Americas by 2030. Within this framework, countries are working to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, with the goal of curing 90% or more of newborns infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

About the Global Chagas Coalition

The Global Chagas Coalition is a collaborative alliance of multiple organizations with the shared goal of raising awareness, advocating, and supporting efforts to alleviate the human suffering caused by Chagas disease. It focuses on promoting access to comprehensive care for affected individuals, including ensuring that diagnostic and treatment tools-both existing and those under development-are accessible to all who need them. It also contributes to the goal of eliminating Chagas disease as a public health problem.

About PAHO

Founded in 1902, PAHO is the world's oldest international public health organization. It works with its Member States to improve the health and quality of life of the people of the Americas. It serves as the WHO Regional Office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System (OAS).