Chagas disease
Chagas in the Americas


Invest in R&D to deliver improved treatments
One of the objectives of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is to develop improved and new treatments for Chagas disease. DNDi is currently building its Chagas portfolio, which includes projects that yield near-term benefit to paediatric patients as well as long-term projects that will potentially benefit a large population of chronic-phase patients.

Brazil: Tackling a complex disease
Since its discovery in 1909, progress in fighting Chagas disease has been made. But many challenges still lie ahead.
Bolivia: Breaking the Silence
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been treating people with Chagas disease in Bolivia since 2002. Despite considerable challenges and difficulties in the field, the four projects MSF has been involved in since then have demonstrated the importance and the feasibility of providing diagnosis and treatment even in the remotest areas.
A platform of experts to support development of new treatments
A Call for Action
Argentina: More Action Needed
The Gran Chaco covers an eco-region of 1.3 million km2, extending over Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Chagas disease is prevalent in this region, with incidences rising since 2001 especially in Argentina, despite major control efforts.
U.S.: Increasing Prevalence, Continued Neglect
Chagas disease has traditionally been characterised as a Latin American phenomenon, endemic only to the 21 countries south of the United States border. However, recent studies have shown that the prevalence of Chagas disease outside of Latin America is increasing, in large part due to population flows, and Chagas disease is becoming an important global health issue.


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Published by Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative - 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant 1202 Geneva Switzerland - Photo credits: DNDi unless otherwise stated - Editor: Eva van Beek - Tel: +41 22 906 9230 - Fax: +41 22 906 9231 - www.dndi.org