# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
Background: Chagas Disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma
cruzi, with some of the most serious manifestations affecting the cardiovascular system. It is a
chronic, stigmatizing condition, closely associated with poverty and affecting close to 6 million
people globally. Although historically the disease was limited to endemic areas of Latin America
recent years have seen an increasing global spread. In addition to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, the social and economic burdens on individuals and society are substantial.
Often called the ‘silent killer’, Chagas disease is characterized by a long, asymptomatic phase in
affected individuals. Approximately 30% then go on develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and
other serious cardiac complications such as stroke, rhythm disturbances and severe heart failure.
Methods: In a collaboration of the World Hearth Federation (WHF) and the Inter-American
Society of Cardiology (IASC) a writing group consisting of 20 diverse experts on Chagas disease
(CD) was convened. The group provided up to date expert knowledge based on their area of
expertise. An extensive review of the literature describing obstacles to diagnosis and treatment of CD along with proposed solutions was conducted. A survey was sent to all WHF Members
and, using snowball sampling to widen the consultation, to a variety of health care professionals working in the CD global health community. The results were analyzed, open comments were
reviewed and consolidated, and the findings were incorporated into this document, thus ensuring
a consensus representation.
Results: The WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease offers a comprehensive summary of current
knowledge on prevention, diagnosis and management of the disease. In providing an analysis of
‘roadblocks’ in access to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients, the document serves
as a framework from which strategies for implementation such as national plans can be formulated. Several dimensions are considered in the analysis: healthcare system capabilities, governance, financing, community awareness and advocacy.
Conclusion: The WHF IASC Roadmap proposes strategies and evidence-based solutions for
healthcare professionals, health authorities and governments to help overcome the barriers to
comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients. This roadmap describes an ideal patient care
pathway, and explores the roadblocks along the way, offering potential solutions based on available research and examples in practice. It represents a call to action to decision-makers and
health care professionals to step up efforts to eradicate Chagas disease.

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Articles publicats en revistes (ISGlobal)