Chagas disease strengthens its presence on the global cardiovascular agenda

Chagas disease will have a significant presence at the 2026 World Congress of Cardiology, to be held in Rio de Janeiro from 8 to 10 October. Several scientific sessions and working meetings will address the challenges posed by Chagas cardiomyopathy, one of the major complications of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Discussions will also focus on the need to move towards greater integration of Chagas disease into cardiovascular care strategies, services and policies.

The Chagas Disease Global Coalition will actively participate in the Congress alongside several of its member organizations, including the World Heart Federation (WHF), Interamerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC), DNDi, ISGlobal, Mundo Sano and Salvando Latidos. All of these organizations are involved in projects, research or initiatives related to Chagas disease and, in particular, its cardiovascular manifestations.

Building a common agenda with cardiology societies

One of the key activities during the Congress will be a working session co-moderated by the Chagas Disease Global Coalition, aimed at advancing the development of a common advocacy and collaboration agenda with cardiology societies.

The session will bring together experts and representatives of scientific societies from different countries across the region to identify priorities and explore joint actions to improve the integration of Chagas disease care into cardiovascular health services and strategies, while strengthening coordination across different levels of the healthcare system.

Chagas disease in the scientific programme

In addition to this working session, the Chagas Disease Global Coalition will participate in the Congress scientific programme in the session “What’s New in Chagas Disease?”, dedicated to presenting and discussing recent advances related to the disease.

The Congress programme also includes other presentations and sessions focusing on Chagas disease and its cardiovascular manifestations, providing an opportunity for professionals and institutions from different countries to share new evidence, experiences and strategies.

For the Chagas Disease Global Coalition, the meeting in Rio de Janeiro will provide an opportunity to continue building partnerships among Chagas organizations, scientific societies, researchers, healthcare professionals and people affected by the disease. The common goal is to move towards models of care in which Chagas disease is identified and managed in a timely manner and is incorporated into cardiovascular health strategies wherever people affected by the disease require care.

Greater engagement by cardiology societies and healthcare professionals working every day in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases can make a decisive contribution to reducing delayed diagnosis and improving the follow-up and care of people affected by Chagas disease.

More details on presentations, sessions and activities related to Chagas disease on our Events section: