Compassion Direct UK

Chargas is a neglected paracitic born disease found in the southern USA to northern Argentina and Chile and  with cases totalling up to 15 million according to Sebastian Lacunza of the Buenos Aires Herald - 11 February 2009.

The disease is transmitted  by  the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi often called the kissing Bug  and has no cure if it is not treated in its early stages with an anti parcsitic drug. 

Transmission results from bites from the vinchuca a blood sucking insect that nests in the cracks of adobe, cane or log homes - common construction materials for the poor rural dwellings of South America

Most of the infected people tend to be impoverished rural dwellers with little education and limited access to health services who unwittingly promote the propogation of the vinchucas and transmission of the disease.

The connection between Chargas and poverty means that "there is no interest on the part of the pharmaceutical industry in developing vaccines if nobody can buy it"  said Sonia Tarragona, Director General of Fundacion Mundo Sano. 

For further information please visit one of many website devoted to the issue of Chargas Disease and those affected by it.