Brazil
Brazil
Brazil is the second most leprosy-endemic country in the world after India. LEPRA Health in Action worked in North-eastern Brazil, the most impoverished region of the country until early 2011. Common problems include high levels of social inequality with an increasing number of people living in poverty and unaware of their rights. This is coupled with concentration of leprosy related health and rehabilitation services in state capitals.
Leprosy in Brazil
LEPRA Health in Action worked in the states of Alagoas, Ceara, Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte. These states are among the poorest in the country and their residents endure very difficult living conditions. The main aim of LEPRA’s work in Brazil was to reduce the burden of leprosy (or Hansen’s Disease as it is known there) focussing on improving access to leprosy care and rehabilitation services.
Another important aspect of our work in Brazil was advocacy for the equal and fair treatment of people affected by leprosy.
- Prevention of disability
- Advocacy for equal and fair treatment of people affected by leprosy.
- Using technology
GPS (Global Positioning System) technology was found to be an effective planning tool for leprosy control programmes.
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