World Chagas Disease Day 2026
April 14, 2026 in the World
World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April 14, 2026. It was designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 and has been marked annually since 2020. The date commemorates the day in 1909 when Carlos Chagas identified the first human case of the disease.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted mainly by insects in Latin America. The disease can cause serious heart and digestive complications, often years after infection. There is no vaccine, and treatment is most effective when given early.
World Chagas Disease Day supports early detection, access to treatment and public education. WHO encourages surveillance, research and international cooperation to reduce the burden of this neglected tropical disease.