Aiming to eliminate the Chagas disease would require a combination of measures. Total interruption of vector transmission, adequate coverage of the disease, and early diagnosis of suspected cases would all be necessary to prevent new transmission and eliminate the existing cases. Achieving these goals, as well as improving the quality and availability of the tests, would make Chagas elimination a realistic goal. Ideally, the cut-off point for the disease would be the level of prevalence and burden.
In Latin America, several multilateral initiatives have led to reduced transmission rates of the disease, and improved access to diagnostics and antiparasitic drugs. Universal screening in blood banks across continental South America reduces the risk of transmission via blood transfusion. The initiative has also led to improvements in health systems throughout Europe and the United States. In the Western Pacific region, most blood banks have implemented this policy. However, it will be a challenge to implement universal screening in the United States.
In Latin America, several national control programs have been established. They have focused on preventing infection by screening the child population. By establishing these programs, health professionals can diagnose and treat the infected population. In addition, it is possible to compare the impact of the programs on the number of infected individuals. This approach requires a collaborative approach between public health workers, government officials, and health care providers.
As a result of multilateral initiatives, the incidence of Chagas disease has decreased, and access to diagnostics and antiparasitic medications has increased. A new blood bank policy in Latin America has reduced the risk of transmission through blood transfusion. Meanwhile, most countries in Europe, the United States, and some of the Western Pacific have begun the implementation of universal screening. This is a major step in the fight against this parasite.
Although a positive approach is the best way to combat this disease, it is still far from a successful one. It is important to understand that this is an international disease, and it is transmitted by insects. For this reason, the environmental factors in an area must be improved. Insecticides should be used as directed by the program, but the most effective treatment will be the combination of several measures.
To achieve elimination of Chagas disease, a number of factors are required. To ensure that the parasites are completely eradicated, healthcare providers should detect antibodies in the blood. Additionally, the absence of an easy test is one of the main reasons why people aren’t able to start treatment. Fortunately, there are new treatments for this neglected disease, including vaccines. In the meantime, the focus must be on preventing the parasites from returning to the environment.
