OS IMPACTOS DO DIAGNÓSTICO DA HANSENÍASE NA SAÚDE PÚBLICA: DESAFIOS E AVANÇOS NO CONTROLE DA DOENÇA

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves, potentially leading to physical deformities and permanent disabilities if not treated early. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, leprosy remains a public health challenge, especially in developing countries, where social inequalities, poverty, and limited access to healthcare services contribute to the persistence of its transmission. Although the implementation of multidrug therapy (MDT) has marked a milestone in leprosy control, factors such as delayed diagnosis, treatment abandonment, and social stigma still hinder efforts to eliminate the disease. In Brazil, which ranks second globally in leprosy cases, behind only India, the North and Northeast regions have the highest incidence rates, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic inequalities on disease spread. Against this backdrop, this study aims to analyze the impacts of leprosy on public health, focusing on challenges related to early diagnosis and treatment adherence, as well as discussing strategies for overcoming stigma and promoting integrated actions that strengthen disease control.