Plano de ação para detecção precoce e adesão ao tratamento da Hanseníase no município de Nova Belém, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Leprosy is an endemic illness that is considered a a Public Health problem. Although a goal for Elimination of the disease has already been established, the problem persists. In Nova Belém-Minas Gerais, , leprosy is an endemic illness. We sought to analyze the major causes of the elevated prevalence of leprosy in Nova Belem, with approximately 2 cases for 10,000 inhabitants which is double the recommended level by the World Health Organization. More than half of the patients with leprosy are inhabitants of the Rural zone, where the condition of life is more precarious, favoring the development ot the illness among them. This paper is based on an objective narrative revision , aiming to identify the factors that contribute for endemicity of leprosy. Indeed, several developing countries have leprosy, but Brazil has the highest incidence and prevalence of the disease. We identified in the literature review prejudice as a major factor for the persistence of the disease and the importance of primary prevention, intervention and leprosy control. Using this theoretical framework as an starting point, critical issues to control the condition in Nova Belem, Minas Gerais, were identified and and action plan was designed. With the implementation of this action plan, we aim to increase the level of information about leprosy among the population.