The CUIDA Chagas Project has launched a new information, education, and communication material aimed at raising awareness about Chagas disease. Produced in partnership with Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas and Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, the initiative marks the project’s debut in the comic book format.

Titled “Berenice and Chagas Disease – Chapter 1: The Discovery”, the publication presents an accessible and engaging narrative following the character Berenice, a young girl who learns about the disease and shares that knowledge with her family. The story is inspired by Berenice, the first person diagnosed with the disease by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas in 1909, reinforcing the historical connection that gave the disease its name.

Despite the differences between today’s context and the period of the discovery, the comic seeks to value the people and communities living with the disease, highlighting their role as protagonists in exercising their right to health. Throughout the story, topics such as forms of transmission, the importance of diagnosis, and the role of families and communities in care and prevention are addressed.

The material is also part of the project’s regional strategy and includes Spanish-language versions for Latin American countries where CUIDA Chagas operates, such as Paraguay, Bolivia, and Colombia. The initiative reinforces the project’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality and culturally appropriate information.

The expectation is that the comic book will help spark interest in the topic, encourage dialogue, and promote community-based care. The goal is for more people to learn about Chagas disease, talk openly about it, and seek diagnosis and follow-up care through health services.

The publication is available free of charge and can be shared with families, schools, and communities, strengthening health education and social mobilization efforts in the fight against the disease.