Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a neglected disease that affects more than six million people worldwide.
This disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by blood-feeding triatomine insects. These insects are called “pitos” and are found in houses made of adobe, straw, and other natural materials used in rural areas.
A pregnant woman can also transmit the disease to the baby, or it can be transmitted by consuming food contaminated with the feces of infected vectors, by blood transfusion, or by uncontrolled organ transplants.
Without treatment, this neglected, silent disease can affect vital organs, such as the heart, cause severe damage to health, and lead to death.
Since its discovery in 1909, Chagas disease has mainly affected poor and vulnerable populations with limited access to health services. Because of its long-term debilitating effects, which limit work and other economic activities, Chagas perpetuates scenarios of poverty and marginalization.
In Colombia, 4.8 million people are at risk of contracting the infection, 436,000 are infected, and 130,000 suffer some type of heart damage as a result of the infection. However, only 1.2% of the population at risk has been screened and only 0.4% of those infected have received treatment against the parasite.
The exhibition “Breaking the Silence” illustrates the reality of people affected by this disease marked by oblivion and shows how to reduce their suffering by providing comprehensive diagnosis and care.
