Estratégias globais para erradicação da hanseníase: análise do Tocantins/Brasil

Abstract

Hansen’s disease, a chronic infectious disease, is caused by the bacterium M. leprae. The primary symptoms consist of patches of white, reddish, or brownish discoloration all over the body with associated dermatological changes. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, and multidrug therapy is provided for free by SUS to treat the disease. Despite this, Hansen’s disease is considered endemic globally, with Tocantins ranking second in Brazil for reported cases in 2020. The research aims to assess the presentation of Hansen’s disease cases in Tocantins between 2011 and 2020, in relation to the World Health Organization's strategies for Hansen’s disease eradication. An epidemiological, descriptive, exploratory, quantitative, document-based study was conducted, which involved surveying Hansen’s disease cases reported between 2011 and 2020 in the DATASUS database for the state of Tocantins. The data indicates that during the specified period, 14,634 incidents of the disease were documented, with male gender (8,247 cases), incomplete primary education (5,540 cases), brown skin color (9,626 cases), and an age range of 40 to 49 years (2.777) being the prevalent factors. The dimorphic clinical form (8,604 cases) was the most common presentation. The WHO aimed to decrease the disease's burden, but progress was not achieved as projected. Furthermore, a delay in diagnosing the disease can increase the risk of disability. The data indicates that the state is still below the expectations set by the WHO, despite progress made. Such studies can serve as a resource for policymakers to formulate public policies and strategies to combat Hansen’s disease at the local and regional level.