Welcome to the Australian Chagas`s Disease Association Incorporated

           The aim of A.C.D.A. is to create in Australia, the first Association to investigate and to fight against Chagas Disease  (Tripanosomiasis Americana) which owes its name to its discoverer Dr. Carlos Chagas.

   This disease is parasitic, caused by a flagellated protozoario TRYPANOSOME CRUZI; it is transmitted to man by the hematofagos triatominos. These insects are known with different names according to their country:

  Vinchuca, Chinche negra, Barbeiros, Kissing bug, Cone-nose bug, Pito, Chirimaya, El beso de la muerte,

Kissing Bug, Assassin Bug, Venchuca, Chipo, Chupanca. Vinchuta,Chinchorro, Bandola,Chirima,

Chinche cocuyo,Chirimocha, South Cone swindler, Sucker.

            The disease is not exclusive to the poor and endemic countries of America, it is also in other Continents and so called first World countries, including here in Australia.

             This flagellum has stopped being ”THE DISEASE OF THE POOR MEN’ because it has reached all social levels.

             Chagas is not a new disease, data shows consistently over a long period of time, being the result of the non-caring and insensibility by the majority of those who have the power to fight it with new medications and effective plans to eradicate it. It is estimated that those infected by this disease are between 15 and 20 million people per year, the majority will die without access to medication or treatment. For them our commitment is even greater, not only in Australia but wherever we are called.

           We need your financial assistance, no matter how small it is, it will very important for us in order to continue helping the children, who are the ones most exposed to the disease. For the patients of all ages, for those who acknowledge that they are Chagasics and for those who choose to be ignorant. For those who are silent, so they do not suffer anymore discrimination and for those who are in risk of contracting the disease.

           Our task is not easy, we are very aware of, but somebody had to begin this fight in this side of the World and we did not doubt it not even for a moment. Today, our work is recognized by the World Health Organisation, Medics Sans Frontieres and other important International Organisations; their recognition encourages us even more to continue the path we chose.

         Our commitment is and will always be, exclusively humanitarian, without political ties, ethnic or religious connotations.

         Thank you very much for your interest in visiting this site.

                         Anna Elizabeth White Scandura

                         President

National Australia Bank

BSB 084-862

Cheque Account: 165 246 498

Australian Chagas Association Account