Theme: Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care.

World Chagas Disease Day celebrated annually on April 14, calls attention to the Chagas disease, a parasitic disease affecting more than six million people worldwide. As many as 300 babies are born with Chagas disease every year. Unfortunately, these babies remain undiagnosed owing to a lack of awareness. If the disease is not treated, people can die, or suffer a heart attack or stroke. Hence it is crucial to educate everyone about the disease so that appropriate measures are taken by the government, members of the community, and healthcare professionals to curb the spread.

FACTS ABOUT CHAGAS DISEASE DAY

• Chagas disease, also known as a ‘silent disease.
• Most patients, either in the acute and chronic phase, present no symptoms and detection and follow-up can actually be done at primary healthcare level.
• It is known to affect the poor because they lack proper healthcare and sanitation.
• The parasitic disease is caused by the microorganism ‘Trypanosoma Cruzi’ and can be transmitted to humans through insect bite from the triatomine bug, or kissing bug
• The infection is spread by blood transfusion, organ transplantation, contaminated food, and contact with feces/urine of infected triatomine bugs. The bugs that cause the disease usually become active at night and hide in the cracked walls of houses, animal pens, and warehouses. It is known as a ‘silent killer’.
• Millions have this disease.
• About 30% of the infected develop cardiovascular diseases.
• It shares a name with a Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, who discovered it in 1909.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD CHAGAS DISEASE DAY

• Make research about Chagas disease. Learn about its symptoms, its cause, and its cure. The more you know, the more you can help others.
• Spread the knowledge by teaching others what you have learned.
• Donate to a charity involved in the fight against its spread. Your donation can be used to create vaccines against the ailment and develop medication that can help save lives.

WHY CHAGAS DISEASE DAY IS IMPORTANT

• Many are not aware of the disease hence the need to Spreads awareness about the neglected disease. Creating awareness is a key in our struggle to stop the spread.
• people can detect the disease at an earlier stage and get help because they have been sensitized about the Chagas disease.
• scientists and doctors are encouraged to find solution to the disease by figuring out how the disease can be eliminated. A vaccine needs to be developed for Chagas disease.

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