2010: Eradication of Chagas Disease

Chagas Disease (or Trypasonoma cruzi) is a parasitic infection currently found only in Latin America, predominantly in poor rural areas. The parasites can be borne by insects, transmitted through blood exchanges, or passed congenitally.

The Pan American Health Association (PAHO) has made a pledge to eradicate Chagas disease by 2010. Prevention methods include treating homes with insecticides, blood screening to ensure safe transfusions, drug treatment for acute early cases, and reinforcing house structures.