Policy Evolution and Lessons Learned from China's Efforts to Eliminate Leprosy.

The prevention and treatment of leprosy is a public health and social issue of global concern. China has become the first country in the world to put forward a proposal on the elimination of the harm caused by leprosy. This paper briefly introduces the status of the spread of leprosy in China, and systematically reviews the evolution of policies and measures at different stages of the disease in China, from the serious epidemic of leprosy to the control of the infection, to the basic elimination, and to the elimination of the hazards. On this basis, five main lessons learned from the control and elimination of leprosy in China were also summarized. These provide the basis for promoting the complete global elimination of leprosy and preventing its re-transmission, thereby benefiting all those who still suffer from the scourge of leprosy.

Reunión del Grupo Consultivo Estratégico y Técnico de la OPS sobre la eliminación de enfermedades. Informe de la reunión y recomendaciones. 29 y 30 de noviembre del 2022

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) es un líder reconocido en la eliminación de enfermedades, que trabaja de la mano con los países de la Región y sus asociados con el fin de impulsar los logros en materia de salud pública a nivel regional y mundial. Estos esfuerzos han contribuido a la erradicación de la viruela, la eliminación de la poliomielitis y el tétanos neonatal de la Región de las Américas, la eliminación de la transmisión endémica del sarampión, la rubéola y el síndrome de rubéola congénita, así a como la eliminación de la transmisión maternoinfantil del VIH y la sífilis en ocho países. La Región también ha avanzado de manera considerable hacia la eliminación de la malaria, la lepra, el tracoma, la filariasis linfática, la oncocercosis y la rabia humana transmitida por perros. En septiembre del 2019, el 57.° Consejo Directivo de la OPS aprobó la Iniciativa de la OPS para la Eliminación de Enfermedades, una política innovadora que promueve un enfoque integrado y sostenible encaminado a acelerar el avance de los países hacia la eliminación de las enfermedades transmisibles y otras afecciones relacionadas. La eliminación de enfermedades se basa en la trayectoria eficaz de eliminación de enfermedades en la Región de las Américas y tiene como objetivo catalizar la voluntad política y aprovechar la capacidad técnica necesaria para lograr un futuro sin la carga de 35 enfermedades transmisibles y otras afecciones relacionadas en la Región de las Américas en el 2030 y contribuir al progreso hacia los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). Al tiempo que los países se recuperan del impacto de la pandemia de COVID‑19, la OPS reconoció la importancia de convocar al Grupo Consultivo Estratégico y Técnico externo sobre eliminación de enfermedades con el objeto de hacer un balance del nuevo panorama de salud pública y las evoluciones recientes en la eliminación de enfermedades y buscar orientación y recomendaciones sobre temas prioritarios con el fin de respaldar la agenda de eliminación de enfermedades en la Región de las Américas. En el presente informe se presenta un resumen de los procedimientos, conclusiones y recomendaciones de la segunda reunión del Grupo Consultivo Estratégico y Técnico de la OPS sobre eliminación de enfermedades, que tuvo lugar el 29 y 30 de noviembre del 2022.

Evolution of anti-malaria policies and measures in P.R. China for achieving and sustaining malaria-free.

Malaria is a major public health threat worldwide, and it was also widely prevalent in the history in China, seriously endangering people's health and affecting socioeconomic development. China was certified malaria elimination in 2021 with unremitting efforts since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This great achievement has been another milestone in the fight against major infectious diseases following the elimination of smallpox, poliomyelitis, leprosy, filariasis, neonatal tetanus and blinding trachoma in China. This paper briefly introduces the malaria burden dynamics and the corresponding malaria transmission risk stratificantions, as well as systematically reviews the evolution of anti-malaria policies and measures from severe epidemic to elimination in China. Meanwhile, five key lessons in malaria control and elimination in China are also briefly summarized. All of the above provide evidences for promoting global malaria eradication and preventing reestablishment of malaria transmission, finally benefit all individuals still suffering from the scourge of malaria.

Towards the elimination of leprosy in Yunnan, China: A time-series analysis of surveillance data.

BACKGROUND: This study reviews the progress of leprosy elimination in Yunnan, China, over the past 30 years and identifies the challenges for the next stage of the program. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Data were collected from the Leprosy Management Information System in China (LEPMIS). The progress made in the elimination of leprosy between 1990 and 2019 was measured. We defined two time periods, time period 1 (1990-2003) and time period 2 (2004-2019), because multidrug therapy (MDT) was launched for the treatment of leprosy in 1990 and a special fund from the central government was established for leprosy in 2004. During the past 30 years, the number of newly detected leprosy patients in Yunnan has steadily declined. In total, 703 newly detected leprosy patients were reported in 1990, and 353 and 136 cases were reported at the end of 2003 and 2019, respectively. At the end of 1990, 90.7% (117/129) of counties in Yunnan Province were identified as leprosy-endemic counties (>1 case per 100,000 population). By the end of 2003 and 2019, 39.3% (46/117) and 85.5% (100/117) of the leprosy-endemic counties, respectively, had dropped below the elimination threshold. The main challenges are the remaining leprosy-endemic counties, the high rate of cases with a contact history, insufficient early detection, and leprosy cases resulting in physical disability. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: A multifaceted strategy for leprosy elimination in Yunnan Province has been successfully implemented, and remarkable progress has been made in the elimination of leprosy in this area. The priorities for leprosy elimination in the next stage are securing sustainable support and investment from the government, establishing an effective surveillance system, ensuring prompt early detection, providing treatment with MDT, preventing transmission of M. leprae, preventing disability, providing health education, and preventing recurrence of the epidemic situation of leprosy.

The Clinical Trend of Leprosy from 2000 to 2016 in Kaohsiung, a Major International Harbor City in Taiwan, Where Leprosy is Almost Eradicated.

Leprosy is a socially stigmatized granulomatous skin disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Due to improvements in medicine and hygiene in Taiwan, the incidence is very low, up to one dozen per year; however, leprosy has never been eradicated due to the increased numbers of immigrants from Southeast Asia. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and histopathological features of patients with leprosy in the context of near elimination. Fifteen cases of pathologically proven leprosy were identified from 2000 to 2016 in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The clinical presentations, demographic details, treatment responses, and disease outcomes were reviewed. The mean age was 46 years (range: 26-73 years). Eight cases were native Taiwanese, while 6 cases and 1 case involved foreign workers from Indonesia and Thailand, respectively. The diagnosis was made 3-6 months on average after skin lesions appeared. The most common clinical subtype was lepromatous leprosy (n = 7). Ten patients were multibacillus microscopically. Three cases were deported. The remaining 12 patients received dapsone and rifampicin for 12 months without recurrence to date. In the near leprosy-eradicated country, early diagnosis and physician vigilance are critical in disease control. Immigrants from endemic countries require strict and professional dermatological examinations and regular follow-up.

High-risk areas of leprosy in Brazil between 2001-2015.

OBJECTIVES: to identify high-risk areas of leprosy in Brazil from 2001 to 2015. METHODS: this is an ecological study of spatial analysis based on Brazilian municipalities. Spatial scan statistics were used to identify spatial clustering and measure the relative risk from the annual detection rate of new cases of leprosy. By criterion based on the Gini index, only secondary clusters were considered. RESULTS: spatial scan statistics detected 26 clusters, in which the detection rate was 59.19 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, while in the remainder of the country it was 11.76. Large part of the cluster area is located in the Legal Amazon. These groups included only 21.34% of the total population, but 60.40% of the new cases of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Leprosy remains concentrated in some areas, showing the need for control programs to intensify actions in these municipalities.

'Zero Leprosy' and other endgame strategies: Rhetoric vs. realism in public health campaigns.

For over half a century, many public health campaigns related to infectious disease have focused on disease 'eradication,' rather than 'control' or 'management.' In this article, I will focus on the example of a recent global leprosy (Hansen's Disease) control campaign, Triple Zero. Drawing on examples from other public health initiatives, this article explores how the language of 'zero disease' or 'endgame strategies' is appealing to certain audiences but how it can also be misleading and have unexpected and unintended consequences. Depending on the specific characteristics of the disease, the disease vectors, and the circumstances of transmission, 'zero' disease is rarely an achievable goal. In addition, when a disease is said to reach 'zero,' it is important to consider the possible implications for people with social, physical, or emotional sequeläe from the disease and who still may require follow-up treatment and care.

Leprosy in the post-elimination phase: so near and yet so far.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting primarily the skin and peripheral nerves. WHO multi-drug therapy launched in 1982 revolutionized the treatment of this old age scourge, paving the way for leprosy elimination at global and national level. The global prevalence came down from over 5 million cases in the 1980s to less than 200,000 at the end of 2016. At present, India, Brazil and Indonesia are the top three countries with maximum leprosy load. The Indian national leprosy programme achieved the prevalence rate of less than 1/10,000 in the year 2005 but even after decade of attaining the WHO elimination target, India still contributes over 50% of the cases to the global leprosy burden leading the pack. Despite achieving the elimination target, the incidence of the disease has not come down as new cases continue to be reported or have plateaued worldwide. Adding to the boil is the persistence of social disparity and shadow of discriminatory laws in the statute books of many countries. Although significant success has been achieved in leprosy control over the years, but as the old adage goes, 'the last lap is the hardest and requires special efforts'. WHO global leprosy strategy 2016-2020 has a vision to achieve "the three zeros": zero disease, zero disability and zero discrimination. The present review focuses on the global and national leprosy scenario, changes made in the leprosy programme in the post-elimination phase and its consequences particularly in India, new scientific advances/insights and global and national strategies to deal with the hurdles in the road towards a "leprosy free world".

High-risk areas of leprosy in Brazil between 2001-2015 / Áreas de alto riesgo de lepra en Brasil, en el período de 2001 a 2015 / Áreas de alto risco de hanseníase no Brasil, período 2001-2015

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify high-risk areas of leprosy in Brazil from 2001 to 2015. Methods: this is an ecological study of spatial analysis based on Brazilian municipalities. Spatial scan statistics were used to identify spatial clustering and measure the relative risk from the annual detection rate of new cases of leprosy. By criterion based on the Gini index, only secondary clusters were considered. Results: spatial scan statistics detected 26 clusters, in which the detection rate was 59.19 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, while in the remainder of the country it was 11.76. Large part of the cluster area is located in the Legal Amazon. These groups included only 21.34% of the total population, but 60.40% of the new cases of the disease. Conclusions: Leprosy remains concentrated in some areas, showing the need for control programs to intensify actions in these municipalities.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar las áreas de alto riesgo de lepra en el período de 2001 a 2015, en Brasil. Métodos: estudio ecológico de análisis espacial, con base en los datos de los municipios brasileños. Se utilizó la estadística scan espacial para identificar las agrupaciones espaciales y medir el riesgo relativo a partir del indicador índice de detección anual de nuevos casos de lepra. Con base en el índice de Gini, se consideraron solo los clusters secundarios. Resultados: la estadística scan espacial detectó 26 clusters, en que la tasa de detección fue de 59,19 casos por 100 mil habitantes, mientras que en el resto del país fue de 11,76. La gran parte del área de clusters se encuentra en la Amazonía Legal. Estos grupos incluyeron solo el 21,34% de la población total, pero representa el 60,40% de nuevos casos de la enfermedad en el período. Conclusiones: la lepra sigue concentrada en algunas áreas, lo que apunta la necesidad que tienen los programas de control de intensificar las acciones en estos municipios.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar as áreas de alto risco da hanseníase no período de 2001 a 2015 no Brasil. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo ecológico de análise espacial, segundo dados dos municípios brasileiros. A estatística scan espacial foi utilizada para identificar agrupamentos espaciais e medir o risco relativo a partir do indicador taxa de detecção anual de casos novos de hanseníase. Pelo critério baseado no índice de Gini, foram considerados apenas os clusters secundários. Resultados: a estatística scan espacial detectou 26 clusters, em que a taxa de detecção foi de 59,19 casos por 100 mil habitantes, enquanto no restante do país foi de 11,76. Grande parte da área de clusters está situada na Amazônia Legal. Esses grupos incluíram apenas 21,34% da população total, mas 60,40% dos novos casos da doença do período. Conclusões: a hanseníase permanece concentrada em algumas áreas, apontando a necessidade de os programas de controle intensificarem ações nesses municípios.

Neglected tropical diseases in the People's Republic of China: progress towards elimination.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, considerable progress has been made in the control and elimination of the country's initial set of 11 neglected tropical diseases. Indeed, elimination as a public health problem has been declared for lymphatic filariasis in 2007 and for trachoma in 2015. The remaining numbers of people affected by soil-transmitted helminth infection, clonorchiasis, taeniasis, and echinococcosis in 2015 were 29.1 million, 6.0 million, 366 200, and 166 100, respectively. In 2017, after more than 60 years of uninterrupted, multifaceted schistosomiasis control, has seen the number of cases dwindling from more than 10 million to 37 600. Meanwhile, about 6000 dengue cases are reported, while the incidence of leishmaniasis, leprosy, and rabies are down at 600 or fewer per year. Sustained social and economic development, going hand-in-hand with improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene provide the foundation for continued progress, while rigorous surveillance and specific public health responses will consolidate achievements and shape the elimination agenda. Targets for poverty elimination and strategic plans and intervention packages post-2020 are important opportunities for further control and elimination, when remaining challenges call for sustainable efforts.

The role of perceptions and knowledge of leprosy in the elimination of leprosy: A baseline study in Fatehpur district, northern India.

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of new interventions to prevent leprosy, such as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) given to contacts of leprosy patients, it is necessary to update our understanding of knowledge and perception of leprosy among the populations where these interventions will be introduced, in order to tailor communication optimally to the current situation. This study is a baseline study of the PEP++ project and aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding leprosy in Fatehpur, India. METHODOLOGY: The study used a community-based cross-sectional design with a mixed-methods approach. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices with the KAP measure, and stigma with the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue community stigma scale (EMIC-CSS) and the Social Distance Scale (SDS). In addition, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with all participant groups. The quantitative data were analysed using stepwise multivariate regression. The qualitative data were analysed using open, inductive coding and content analysis. FINDINGS: A total of 446 participants were included in the study: 100 persons affected by leprosy, 111 close contacts, 185 community members and 50 health care workers. In addition, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted and 35 people were included in focus group discussions. 12.5% of the participants had adequate knowledge of leprosy, while 22% had poor knowledge. Knowledge on cause (answered correctly by 10% of the participants), mode of transmission (5%) and symptoms of leprosy (16%) was especially poor. The mean EMIC-CSS score was 15.3 (95%CI 14.6-16.0) and mean SDS score 7.2 (95%CI 6.6-7.8). Better knowledge of leprosy was associated with lower levels of social distance towards persons affected by leprosy. CONCLUSION: This study revealed poor knowledge regarding leprosy and high levels of stigma and fear and desire to keep social distance towards persons affected by leprosy. Community education that takes cultural beliefs, knowledge gaps and fears into consideration could improve knowledge, reduce misconceptions and positively influence the perception of leprosy.

Setting targets for HIV/AIDS-What lessons can be learned from other disease control programmes?

In a Collection Review, Richard Hayes and colleagues discuss metrics for assessing progress in control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the context of prior disease control programmes.

Organization of oversight for integrated control of neglected tropical diseases within Ministries of Health.

BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are communicable diseases that impact approximately 1 billion people, but receive relatively little research, funding, and attention. Many NTDs have similar treatments, epidemiology, and geographic distribution, and as a result, the integration of control efforts can improve accountability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of programs. Here, we examine the landscape of efforts towards NTD integration across countries with the highest burden of disease, and review the administrative management of integration in order to identify approaches and pathways for integration. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We utilized a standardized system to score countries for NTD endemnicity to create a list of 25 countries with the highest overall burden of NTDs. We then conducted a literature review to characterize the NTD control programs in the focus countries. Six countries were selected for key informant interviews to validate literature review results and gather additional data on opportunities and obstacles to NTD integration, from an administrative perspective. The majority of countries included in the study were located in Africa, with the remainder from Asia, North America, and South America. Multiple models and pathways were observed for the integration of NTD programs, in combination with other NTD programs, other diseases, or other health programs. Substantial heterogeneity existed with respect to the NTD control programs, and no country had integrated all of their NTD control efforts into a single program. NTDs that can be treated with preventative chemotherapy were frequently integrated into a single program. Leprosy control was also frequently integrated with those of other communicable diseases, and notably tuberculosis. Barriers to NTD integration may result from internal administrative obstacles or external obstacles. CONCLUSIONS: Although many countries have begun to integrate NTD control efforts, additional work will be required to realize the full benefits of integration in most of the countries examined here. Moving forward, NTD integration efforts must ensure that administrative structures are designed to maximize the potential success of integrated programs and account for existing administrative processes.

Policy Lessons From Quantitative Modeling of Leprosy.

Recent mathematical and statistical modeling of leprosy incidence data provides estimates of the current undiagnosed population and projections of diagnosed cases, as well as ongoing transmission. Furthermore, modeling studies have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed intervention strategies, such as postleprosy exposure prophylaxis and novel diagnostics, relative to current approaches. Such modeling studies have revealed both a slow decline of new cases and a substantial pool of undiagnosed infections. These findings highlight the need for active case detection, particularly targeting leprosy foci, as well as for continued research into innovative accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostics. As leprosy incidence continues to decline, targeted active case detection primarily in foci and connected areas will likely become increasingly important.

Socioeconomic benefit to individuals of achieving 2020 targets for four neglected tropical diseases controlled/eliminated by innovative and intensified disease management: Human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease.

BACKGROUND: The control or elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has targets defined by the WHO for 2020, reinforced by the 2012 London Declaration. We estimated the economic impact to individuals of meeting these targets for human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, NTDs controlled or eliminated by innovative and intensified disease management (IDM). METHODS: A systematic literature review identified information on productivity loss and out-of-pocket payments (OPPs) related to these NTDs, which were combined with projections of the number of people suffering from each NTD, country and year for 2011-2020 and 2021-2030. The ideal scenario in which the WHO's 2020 targets are met was compared with a counterfactual scenario that assumed the situation of 1990 stayed unaltered. Economic benefit equaled the difference between the two scenarios. Values are reported in 2005 US$, purchasing power parity-adjusted, discounted at 3% per annum from 2010. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to quantify the degree of uncertainty around the base-case impact estimate. RESULTS: The total global productivity gained for the four IDM-NTDs was I$ 23.1 (I$ 15.9 -I$ 34.0) billion in 2011-2020 and I$ 35.9 (I$ 25.0 -I$ 51.9) billion in 2021-2030 (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles in brackets), corresponding to US$ 10.7 billion (US$ 7.4 -US$ 15.7) and US$ 16.6 billion (US$ 11.6 -US$ 24.0). Reduction in OPPs was I$ 14 billion (US$ 6.7 billion) and I$ 18 billion (US$ 10.4 billion) for the same periods. CONCLUSIONS: We faced important limitations to our work, such as finding no OPPs for leprosy. We had to combine limited data from various sources, heterogeneous background, and of variable quality. Nevertheless, based on conservative assumptions and subsequent uncertainty analyses, we estimate that the benefits of achieving the targets are considerable. Under plausible scenarios, the economic benefits far exceed the necessary investments by endemic country governments and their development partners. Given the higher frequency of NTDs among the poorest households, these investments represent good value for money in the effort to improve well-being, distribute the world's prosperity more equitably and reduce inequity.

Estudo epidemiológico da hanseníase no Brasil: reflexão sobre as metas de eliminação

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Descrever o perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase no Brasil no período de 2005 a 2015 e verificar como os indicadores brasileiros estão se comportando em relação às metas estipuladas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para eliminação dessa doença. Métodos. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir dos dados disponíveis nos sites do Ministério da Saúde. Foram avaliados os indicadores: dados de prevalência, coeficientes de detecção geral e conforme grupo etário (< 15 anos ou ≥ 15 anos), porcentagem de cura e grau 2 de incapacidade. Resultados. No período do estudo, o coeficiente de prevalência dos casos de hanseníase manteve-se em patamar médio (de 1,00 a 4,99/10 000 habitantes), com tendência nacional decrescente. Entretanto, esse comportamento não foi observado nas regiões Nordeste, Norte e Centro-Oeste. O coeficiente de casos novos em indivíduos com menos de 15 anos apresentou diminuição entre 2005 e 2015 em todas as regiões. O coeficiente de detecção de casos novos diagnosticados com grau 2 de incapacidade teve redução significativa, principalmente nas regiões Sul e Sudeste; o Norte do país foi a única região com aumento desse coeficiente. O percentual de cura de hanseníase no Brasil, independentemente da faixa etária, não sofreu alteração desde 2005, sendo considerado regular (75% a 90%). Conclusão. Os principais indicadores de hanseníase apresentaram redução no período do estudo. Embora o Brasil não tenha erradicado a hanseníase, essa meta deverá ser alcançada em 2020 caso sejam mantidos os parâmetros. Recomenda-se adaptar a política de atenção à hanseníase à realidade de cada região brasileira, visto que a prevalência da doença apresenta distribuição heterogênea.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To describe the epidemiological profile of leprosy in Brazil in the period from 2005 to 2015 and describe the behavior of leprosy indicators in relation to the goals established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination of this disease. Method. The study was performed using data from the Ministry of Health websites. The following indicators were assessed: prevalence, overall coefficient of detection, coefficient of detection according to age (< 15 years or ≥ 15 years), cure rate, and proportion of cases with WHO grade 2 disability. Results. During the study period, the prevalence of leprosy cases was stable at a medium level (1.00 to 4.99/10 000 population), with decreasing national trend. However, the national trend was not observed in the Northeast, North, and Midwest regions. The coefficient of new cases in individuals < 15 years of age decreased from 2005 to 2015 in all regions. A marked decrease was detected in the proportion of new cases with grade 2 disability, especially in the South and Southeast. The North was the only region with increase in this indicator. The rate of leprosy cure in Brazil has not changed since 2005, having remained within the 75-90% range regardless of age group. Conclusion. There was improvement (reduction) in the main leprosy indicators in Brazil from 2005 to 2015. Even though Brazil did not eradicate leprosy, this goal will likely be reached in 2020 if the current parameters are maintained. Leprosy control policies should be adapted to the reality of each Brazilian region, given the heterogeneous distribution of prevalence.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Describir el perfil epidemiológico de la lepra en el Brasil en el período 2005-2015 y verificar cómo se comportan los indicadores brasileños en relación con las metas establecidas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para la eliminación de esa enfermedad. Métodos. La investigación se realizó a partir de los datos disponibles en los sitios del Ministerio de Salud. Los indicadores evaluados fueron los datos de prevalencia, los coeficientes de detección general y por grupo etario (<15 o ≥ 15 años), el porcentaje de curación y la discapacidad de grado 2. Resultados. En el período del estudio, el coeficiente de prevalencia de casos de lepra se mantuvo en un nivel promedio (de 1,00 a 4,99/10 000 habitantes), con una tendencia nacional decreciente. Sin embargo, en las regiones del nordeste, norte y centro-oeste no se observó ese comportamiento. El coeficiente de casos nuevos en menores de 15 años disminuyó entre el 2005 y el 2015 en todas las regiones. El coeficiente de detección de casos nuevos con diagnóstico de discapacidad de grado 2 tuvo una reducción significativa, principalmente en las regiones del sur y del sudeste; el norte del país fue la única región donde aumentó ese coeficiente. El porcentaje de curación de la lepra en el Brasil no ha cambiado desde el 2005 y se considera regular (de 75% a 90%), independientemente del grupo de edad. Conclusión. Los principales indicadores de lepra se redujeron en el período del estudio. Aunque no se haya erradicado la lepra en el Brasil, esa meta deberá alcanzarse en el 2020 si se mantienen los parámetros. Se recomienda adaptar la política de atención a la lepra a la realidad de cada región brasileña, en vista de que la prevalencia de la enfermedad presenta una distribución heterogénea.