Global experts convene in Switzerland to accelerate progress towards the elimination of Chagas disease

Chagas disease affects people in 44 countries worldwide and can cause, among other consequences, severe cardiac complications and premature death if left untreated. The disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted under the World Health Organization (WHO) NTD road map 2021–2030.  Achieving the 2030 targets requires strengthened surveillance, improved access to diagnosis and treatment, and coordinated action across countries and sectors.

To support progress towards the 2030 targets, WHO and Swiss TPH have organized two consecutive meetings from 23-25 June 2026:

The meeting of the Initiative of countries outside Latin America to control and eliminate Chagas disease brings together thirteen countries around the globe in which cases of Chagas disease have previously been detected. These include Canada in the Americas; Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom in Europe; and Australia, China and Japan in the Western Pacific.

Given the paucity of available data on Chagas disease, the aim of this meeting is to develop better estimates of the number of individuals at risk of Chagas disease living outside Latin America, as well as the number of affected individuals receiving appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The meeting also seeks to build consensus on how to scale up validated strategies for case detection, care and follow-up. In addition, countries in Latin America with established national surveillance systems, together with global networks focused on sentinel laboratories, HIV/AIDS coinfection, community health and insect vector surveillance, will share successful experiences and lessons learned in disease control.

“Achieving the WHO 2030 targets requires a clear understanding of the burden of Chagas disease and the progress being made in different countries. By bringing together countries from outside Latin America, this meeting helps strengthen the evidence base needed to improve surveillance and expand access to diagnosis and treatment,” said Pedro Albajar Viñas, WHO medical officer, WHO.

Building on these discussions, WHO and Swiss TPH are then hosting a Meeting of Partners and Stakeholders for the Control and Elimination of Chagas Disease. Nearly 40 participants from public institutions, academia, civil society, international organizations and the private sector have been invited to review progress, identify opportunities for collaboration, and explore approaches to accelerate action towards the 2030 targets.

This meeting provides a platform for partners to present ongoing initiatives, identify remaining gaps and priorities, and explore opportunities for collaboration to strengthen detection, care, surveillance and interruption of transmission.

“The partnership between WHO and Swiss TPH has created an important platform for countries and partners to work together towards a common goal. These meetings provide an opportunity to share experiences, identify priorities and strengthen collaboration to advance the control and elimination of Chagas disease worldwide,” said Mar Velarde, Senior Scientific Collaborator, Swiss TPH.

The meetings reflect the growing collaboration between WHO and Swiss TPH on Chagas disease. Since 2023, this partnership has supported global surveillance and monitoring efforts, the strengthening of the Initiative of Countries Outside Latin America, and the development of the Swiss Network for Chagas Disease. These efforts contribute to strengthening surveillance, improving access to care and supporting progress towards the elimination of Chagas disease.

Chagas Coalition will be supporting these sessions, to be held from June 23 to 25, 2026, in Allschwil, Basel (switzerland).

About Chagas disease

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Although traditionally associated with Latin America, population mobility has resulted in cases being identified in many countries worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term clinical manifestations and complications and to interrupt transmission.