Experts Urge Immediate Action to Safeguard Women and Children from Chagas Disease

Accra: Health advocates have called for urgent action to address the growing impact of Chagas disease on women. They emphasized that women, while not the source of infection, are among the most overlooked victims, necessitating targeted prevention and support. According to Ghana News Agency, the World Health Organization made these remarks in a statement issued to mark World Chagas Disease Day, observed on April 14. The statement urged for a shift in misconceptions and the prioritization of prevention strategies targeting women of reproductive age. It highlighted that an estimated two million women aged between 15 and 44 are living with the disease globally, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and primarily transmitted by triatomine insects, also known as 'kissing bugs.' Health experts warned that mother-to-child transmission has become one of the leading modes of spread worldwide. They noted that between three and five per cent of babies born to infected mothers face the risk of contracting t he disease during pregnancy. The WHO emphasized that "women are central to breaking the cycle of transmission, yet they continue to face stigma and limited access to testing and treatment." The statement explained that Chagas disease often begins with mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and swelling, but can progress silently. Without treatment, about one in three infected persons could develop severe complications, particularly affecting the heart and digestive system. Despite these risks, experts indicate that the disease is both preventable and treatable. Treating women before pregnancy could almost eliminate the risk of transmission to babies, while early diagnosis and treatment of newborns could achieve cure rates exceeding 90 per cent. Available treatments include antiparasitic medicines such as Benznidazole and Nifurtimox, which are most effective when administered early. Stakeholders urged governments and health systems to prioritize screening programs for women, especially before pregnancy, and e nsure routine testing of newborns. They also highlighted the need for sustained community education to dispel myths and promote early health-seeking behavior. "Raising awareness is critical. Women must be supported, not blamed, in the fight against Chagas disease," the statement added. The statement noted that although the disease has historically been associated with Latin America, it is increasingly being reported in other regions due to global migration and changing transmission patterns. It called for renewed commitment to protecting women and children, stressing that empowering women through early detection and treatment is key to ending the disease.