Public health officials in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso are intensifying efforts to combat leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that continues to affect thousands in the region. As part of ongoing initiatives – and highlighted during “Purple January,” an annual awareness campaign – the state Department of Health is launching a new public education drive focused on early detection and reducing the stigma associated with the illness. The campaign underscores the importance of year-round vigilance and utilizes the state’s specialized care center,Cermac,to address complex cases and ensure equitable access to free treatment through the Unified Health System (SUS).
Foto da manchete: Matheus Oliveira | Agência Saúde
Por Jurandir Antonio – Voz: Eneas Jacobina
Texto do áudio
The Mato Grosso State Department of Health is actively working to strengthen healthcare access, improve care quality, and enhance surveillance efforts for leprosy across the state.
As part of “Purple January,” a month dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, the department is launching a campaign to educate the public about leprosy symptoms. This initiative emphasizes the importance of year-round vigilance and proactive care, rather than focusing solely on limited-time awareness periods.
The campaign also aims to dismantle the stigma and discrimination often associated with leprosy, a critical step in encouraging early diagnosis and treatment.
“Our goal is to strengthen the fight against leprosy in Mato Grosso,” stated State Health Secretary Gilberto Figueiredo. “Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and contact tracing are essential to reducing the number of cases.”
Figueiredo emphasized that leprosy is a chronic, transmissible disease, but it is curable and can be treated free of charge through the Unified Health System (SUS). This accessibility is vital for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents.
According to data from the National Notifiable Disease Information System (Sinan), 4,723 new cases of leprosy were reported in Mato Grosso in 2024.
In 2025, 3,770 new cases were recorded, though data from the past year remains preliminary. These figures highlight the ongoing public health challenge posed by leprosy in the region.
The State Center of Reference in Medium and High Complexity Care (Cermac), affiliated with the State Department of Health, serves as the specialized care center for leprosy in Mato Grosso.
Cermac provides care for cases suspected of treatment failure, drug resistance, inconclusive diagnoses, and reactions to leprosy treatment, as well as offering specialized clinical monitoring.
The center’s team includes leprologists, social workers, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists, orthopedic surgeons, dermatologists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
