Country profile: leprosy in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Tropical medicine
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Public health policy

Background:

• Brazil exhibits high leprosy case detection rates, particularly in its northern and west-central regions.
• Leprosy control efforts have been ongoing, with a focus on improving patient access to treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in leprosy case detection in Brazil.
• To evaluate the impact of decentralized treatment and government programs on leprosy control.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national leprosy case detection data.
• Correlation with the implementation of decentralized treatment strategies and poverty reduction programs.

Main Results:

• Decentralized leprosy treatment since 2000 improved patient access.
• New case detection peaked in 2003, followed by a gradual decline.
• Government poverty reduction programs coincided with these trends.

Conclusions:

• Decentralization and socioeconomic programs have positively impacted leprosy control in Brazil.
• Ongoing priorities include disability prevention and drug resistance surveillance.
• Six key referral centers play a crucial role in the national leprosy control program.