[Chagas disease, environment, participation, and the state]

Human Chagas Disease (HCD) affects 16 million Latin Americans and is related to environmental and social questions like education, anthropogenic changes, housing, and migration. HCD requires domiciliation of the vector, which is introduced from sylvatic ecotopes or transported passively by humans. HCD is difficult to treat but possible to prevent. As a disease concentrating among poor individuals and regions, its control requires government intervention, involving education, community participation, and access to medical care. Public policies are required for HCD control, requiring participation by political parties and social control of public agencies to ensure program continuity. A consistent environmental policy is needed to prevent the spread of HCD to new areas such as the Amazon Region. Finally, partnerships among affected countries can help foster HCD control, raising self-esteem and helping promote a new political order in Latin America.