RAISE – Burden of Chagas Disease in the Contemporary World

Study type
Meta-analysis

Primary objectiveChagas disease is a neglected tropical disease, mainly found in endemic areas of Latin America. It has undergone significant epidemiological transformation in recent decades, characterized by shifting modes of transmission, urbanization, and globalization. This has lead to uncertainties in estimating Chagas Disease prevalence, exacerbated by the lack of recent data and reliance on outdated models.

The RAISE project reassesses the burden of Chagas disease and Chagas disease cardiomyopathy. Using a multidimensional approach, the project refines estimates of Chagas disease-related deaths through systematic reviews on seroprevalence and prevalence of clinical forms, enhancement of existing modeling frameworks, and calculation of the global economic burden, including healthcare expenditures and access to services.

Like other neglected diseases, Chagas disease is a stigmatizing condition, closely associated with poverty. Responses to Chagas disease suffer from being under resourced, and from low awareness levels among policymakers and health professionals.

The WHF-IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease provides a framework for policy and health system strengthening efforts to improve how Chagas disease is prevented and managed at national level.

Additional resources to support education and awareness raising related to Chagas disease can be found here.

Funding:
Funding for the RAISE study was provided by Novartis Pharma AG as part of a research collaboration with the World Heart Federation.