Epidemiological Situation of Leprosy Control in Taubaté-SP municipality in 1999

Abstract

Brazil ranks second in the absolute number of leprosy cases in the world and first in the Americas. In 1999, a conference was held by the World Health Organization in Abdijan, Ivory Coast and there Brazil had set a goal to reduce the prevalence to below 1:10000 inhabitants by the year 2005. Leprosy epidemiological data, collected by the Ministry of Health It were retrospectively studied to asses the epidemiological and operational situation of leprosy control of the patients seen in Taubaté municipality, São Paulo, in 1999. A prevalence of 3.24/10000 inhabitants and a high incidence (1.27/10000 inhabitants) were found for the year. The majority of patients (83.5%) had multibacillary leprosy and most received multiple drugs treatment (80% of the patients). It was also seen that 15.7% of the patients were not evaluated for disabilities during the year. While in 20.8% of the patients who were released from treatment and were evaluated for disabilities, a disabilities of grade II and III, was found. It is proposed to focus on assistance in basic health care units, because these are closer to the community and have health professionals for early diagnosis. To achieve in this way the so hoped for control of the disease.