Chagas disease, a tropical insect-borne disease that mostly affects low-income people in the Caribbean and Latin America, is being called “the new HIV/AIDS of the Americas,” PLoS reports. The two diseases share many similarities: They both disproportionately affect people living in poverty; both are chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment; both require expensive treatment that prolongs life but does not cure; both diseases are stigmatizing; and individuals with either disease struggle to access essential medications or break through barriers to care. Researchers are asking that the global community prioritize Chagas disease and develop a comprehensive global plan to fight it. The plan would include blood screening, testing, maternal and child interventions, health education, and research and development.  

To read the PLoS article, click here.