Historical perspectives on compulsory isolation in leprosy and health policies in Brazil: interview with Dr. Laurinda Rosa Maciel

Abstract

In this interview, historian and researcher Laurinda Rosa Maciel, from Casa de Oswaldo Cruz (COC/Fiocruz), shares her academic career dedicated to the study of the history of public health in Brazil, with an emphasis on compulsory isolation policies and the experiences of people affected by leprosy. Using a sensitive and rigorous approach, she presents a reflection on the social, ethical, and human impacts of these policies, highlighting the importance of memory and listening to former inmates in order to construct a more fair and inclusive history. Her speech illuminates the paths between the past and present of leprosy, revealing how historiographical work can contribute to the reparation and valorization of voices that have long remained silenced.