Srinagar, 15 April 2025: World Chagas Disease Day serves as a crucial reminder of the need to raise awareness and promote early treatment of Chagas disease a silent yet life-threatening illness that predominantly impacts underprivileged communities. Often dubbed the “silent” or “silenced” disease, Chagas disease is marked by a slow progression and is frequently asymptomatic, which makes early detection challenging.
It disproportionately affects people in rural and underserved areas, where access to quality healthcare remains limited. Health experts warn that if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe and irreversible cardiac and digestive complications, potentially resulting in death.
They emphasize that early diagnosis and timely medical intervention are key to preventing serious outcomes and curbing further transmission. First officially observed in 2020, World Chagas Disease Day aims to draw global attention to the disease’s public health impact and to advocate for improved access to diagnostics, treatment, and care services.
In an exclusive conversation with Akashvani Srinagar, Dr. Aijaz Nabi Koul, Professor and Head of Infectious Diseases at SKIMS Srinagar, highlighted the urgency of public awareness and early intervention strategies in controlling the disease.
