Chagas disease: An impediment in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Latin America

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Carlos Franco-Paredes, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez; Anna Von, Emory University; Alicia Hidron, Emory University; Alfonso J. Rodríguez-Morales, Universidad De Los Andes, Merida; Ildefonso Tellez, Emory University School of Medicine; Maribel Barragán, Emory University School of Medicine; Danielle Jones, Emory University; Cesar G. Náquira, Universidad De Los Andes, Merida; Jorge Mendez, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez
• Language: English
• Date: 2007-10-25
• Publisher: BMC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2007 Franco-Paredes et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-698X-7-7
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: BMC International Health and Human Rights
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 7
• End Page: 7
• Research Categories: Biology, Virology

Abstract

Background. Achieving sustainable economic and social growth through advances in health is crucial in Latin America within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Discussion. Health-related Millennium Development Goals need to incorporate a multidimensional approach addressing the specific epidemiologic profile for each region of the globe. In this regard, addressing the cycle of destitution and suffering associated with infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease of American trypanosomiasis, will play a key role to enable the most impoverished populations in Latin America the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Most cases of Chagas disease occur among forgotten populations because these diseases persist exclusively in the poorest and the most marginalized communities in Latin America. Summary. Addressing the cycle of destitution and suffering associated with T. cruzi infection will contribute to improve the health of the most impoverished populations in Latin America and will ultimately grant them with the opportunity to achieve their full economic potential. © 2007 Franco-Paredes et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.