Access to Comprehensive Chagas Disease Care: A Global Effort

Abstract

The approval of a World Chagas Disease Day in 2019 at the 72nd World Health Assembly recognized Chagas disease as a global public health challenge. Chagas is one of the most neglected diseases and as such an important target to reach the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Today, the majority of the affected population remains without access to life-saving health care. We highlight the crucial role of three important players, starting with the people living with the disease or at risk of being infected. Secondly, we analyze how Chagas disease management must be addressed through each of the six components of the WHO health systems framework. And, finally, we tackle the need of innovation, starting from the improvement and expansion of the current diagnosis and treatment tools, and following with the need for new tools. We also summarize successful experiences in treating Chagas disease in some endemic and non-endemic countries thanks to the involvement of private foundations, health institutions, or NGOs in collaboration with public structures and other health system actors.