The parasitic disease is endemic to 21 countries in the Americas. With an annual incidence of 41,000 cases in the Region, it is estimated that Chagas disease affects about 8 million people and causes on average about 12,000 deaths each year. During the 50th Meeting of PAHO's Directing Councel, Member States undertook to carry out a strategy to cope with the disease. They will strengthen ties with institutions in order to reach the Millennium Development Goals.