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New GBD 2023 estimates of the burden of #Chagas disease, a #NTD caused by T. cruzi and transmitted by triatomine bugs, blood, or congenitally. The chronic phase, often decades after infection, causes severe heart failure, arrhythmias, and megaviscera. #GBD2023 #ChagasDisease #NTDs #IDSky

We estimated 10.5 million global prevalent cases in 2023. There has been major progress: age-standardised mortality dropped by 72.5% from 1990–2023. This success reflects strong vector control and socioeconomic development in endemic regions. #GlobalHealth #NTDs

Cases in non-endemic locations increased 46.2%, primarily due to prevalence amongst people who have migrated from endemic countries. Improved awareness about #Chagas disease and systems to improve access to diagnosis & treatment for these individuals in non-endemic locations are needed.

Prevalence also shifted to older age groups, peaking at 45–65 years in 2023. This reflects decreasing incidence in endemic locations. Health systems must prepare for chronic care needs as the burden of disease shifts to older populations.

To get better estimates, we need improved data quality, including adequate coding to prevent misclassification of Chagas deaths and better estimates of the true population at risk. Sustained funding for screening, treatment, and improved data collection is crucial to mitigate #Chagas disease burden.

Thank you to our multinational team of GBD 2023 Chagas Disease Collaborators, the RAISE Study, and our NTDs team at IHME for collaborating to produce this critical, updated analysis!

Author Share link for the Lancet ID paper on the global, regional, and national burden of Chagas disease (free access for the next 50 days) authors.elsevier.com/a/1m2hA5E-Uo... Permanent link to the paper directly on the Lancet ID website: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...