Chagas disease affects approximately six million people, mainly in Latin America. The disease can be silent for decades until it may become fatal, leading to cardiovascular complications in up to 30% of patients. Like other neglected tropical diseases, Chagas disease often affects poor and marginalized communities.
For the second time in history, the global community officially celebrated World Chagas Disease Day in April 2021 to bring the disease to people’s attention. Discover the stories of people affected by Chagas disease.
Photographer Ana Ferreira travelled to Bolivia, where Chagas disease is endemic, to meet people affected by Chagas disease and doctors.
![Couple sitting outside their home. Julia and Felix, a Chagas patient, sitting in front of their home in Bolivia.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-07/couple-sitting-outside-their-home-bolivia-chagas-1-image.jpg.webp?itok=swdy7rd8)
Photo: Couple in Bolivia by Ana Ferreira, Bolivia
![Community in Bolivia Bolivia is the epicenter of Chagas Disease worldwide](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-07/bolivia-countryside-community-chagas-image.jpg.webp?itok=UdhWlJO3)
Photo: Valle Nuevo by Ana Ferreira, Bolivia
![Physician performs electrocardiogram Felix gets an electrocardiogram in Bolivia.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-07/physician-performs-electrocardiogram-chagas-image.jpg.webp?itok=iznNqDCP)
Photo: Physician performs electrocardiogram by Ana Ferreira, Bolivia
![Man resting from work on field Felix has Chagas and needs to rest during work.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-07/felix-waiting-resting-chagas-1-image.jpg.webp?itok=YgfIQ0a2)
Photo: Felix by Ana Ferreira, Bolivia
![Women working on field in Bolivia Julia is working on the field and Felix is watching her.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-07/woman-working-on-field-chagas-image.jpg.webp?itok=ImyRLlgl)
Photo: Julia and Felix by Ana Ferreira, Bolivia
![Women lights candle at grave in Bolivia Julia lights candles for her parents who died from Chagas disease.](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-07/woman-lights-candle-on-graveyard-chagas-image.jpg.webp?itok=HLs70ajr)
Photo: Julia at a grave by Ana Ferreira, Bolivia