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Data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan), and the State Department of Health (Sesacre), indicate that in 2024, Acre recorded the highest number of new cases of leprosy in the last decade.
161 cases were confirmed, a significant increase compared to the 92 registered in 2023. However, the growth reflects advances in the disease’s diagnosis and treatment structure.
The increase is related to progress in diagnosis/ Photo: Reproduction
It turns out that previously care and diagnosis of leprosy in Acre were concentrated exclusively in Fundhacre, making access difficult for residents of remote regions. However, with the expansion of care capacity in primary care in the municipalities, patients have now received early diagnosis and started treatment in a more accessible way.
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The medication used to treat leprosy is provided free of charge by the Ministry of Health and distributed to all 22 municipalities in the state. In the most serious cases, when treatment cannot be carried out locally, patients are referred to specialized services.
With the aim of further improving service to the population, Sesacre plans several actions for 2025:
- Strengthening the State Committee: Regular meetings to facilitate access to health services.
- Improved Diagnostics: Partnership with the Central Laboratory (Lacen) for the integration of exams into the GAL system.
- Investigation of Drug Resistance: Start of studies to prevent cases of therapeutic failure.
- Use of the Horus System: Implementation of the management system in municipal pharmacies.
- Education Campaigns: Actions aimed at demystifying the disease and combating stigma.
- Professional Training: In-person and online training to improve the use of Sinan and the quality of service.
Watch ContilNet’s special video report about the shelter that has been providing care for leprosy patients in Acre for over 90 years:
