World Chagas Disease Day 2026 - WHO Director-General’s message

World Chagas Disease Day 2026 - WHO Director-General’s message

Dr. Tedros highlights that while Chagas affects an estimated 8 million people worldwide—often transmitted by insects in the Americas—the global reality is that most cases now pass from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This year’s theme, “Women at the Heart: Protecting the Next Generation,” reframes the narrative: women are not the problem—they are the heart of the solution. WHO calls on every country to screen all at-risk girls and women of childbearing age, treat those who need it, and test every newborn of an infected mother. Together, we can break the cycle, end stigma, and make Chagas disease history. More information: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-chagas-disease-day/2026