[Human resources in Hansen's disease]

In the control of endemic leprosy in Brazil, a qualitative and quantitative lack of human resources was felt as one of its most serious difficulties. Consequently, a systematical review on the practices of Human Resources on Leprosy was carried out, covering the period between 1940 and 1980. An interesting paradox was then observed: sectorial authorities always recognized that courses and training are an important tool in order to improve the conditions for operating the leprosy control but when they are put in practice, they result transitory and ineffective. The maintenance of this fact, associated to low salaries and inadequate working conditions indicated the necessity of formulating and implanting a policy for the development of Human Resources in leprosy at a nationwide level. The experience consisted of setting up a sheme of encouragement and support to State Health Departments for training at local level; at regional level, extension courses were organized by the Nacional Departament, in Amazonia, Mid-west, South, Northeast and Southeast. The strengthening and/or development of a referral system at state level were reached through the national specialization course of Sanitary Dermatology; international qualifications were obtained, as a complement, by joint action with Pan-American Organization of health. Results, details, characteristics and strategies of this process are presented and discussed by discursive and tabular forms.