02357nas a2200289   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001300054653001700067653001200084653002600096653001200122100001100134700002800145700002200173700001600195700001500211700001500226700001500241700001600256245009800272856004600370300000900416490000600425520162200431022001402053       2025                            d  bMDPI AG10aCovid-1910aTuberculosis10aLeprosy10aBolsa Familia program10aDATASUS1 aAoki L1 ade Carvalho Rodrigues J1 aBertollini Lamy I1 ada Veiga GL1 aAlves BDCA1 aPereira EC1 aSousa LVDA1 aFonseca FLA00aImpact of COVID-19 on Social, Economic, and Health Interventions for Tuberculosis and Leprosy  uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/5/4/53/pdf  a1-130 v53 a<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social interactions, family dynamics, and economic stability, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Tuberculosis and leprosy perpetuate poverty and, once manifested, hinder socioeconomic development due to their high potential for disability.</p>

<p><strong>Methodology</strong></p>

<p>This study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using DATASUS health data and assessed the influence of socioeconomic interventions (SAGICAD data) on tuberculosis and leprosy case notifications in Brazil. A correlation analysis was performed between regional diagnoses and variables such as Bolsa Família (a national social welfare program), BCG vaccination coverage, and COVID-19 immunization rates, applying Pearson’s correlation test.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>No significant correlations were found between COVID-19 vaccination rates and tuberculosis/leprosy diagnoses. However, a strong negative correlation (p &lt; 0.05) was observed between BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccination coverage and leprosy incidence in the Northern region. The findings also suggest that social assistance programs such as Bolsa Família play a pivotal role in preventing infectious diseases in vulnerable areas.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>Understanding the complex interplay between socioeconomic determinants and public health outcomes is essential for guiding future research and informing health policies, including potential revisions to social programs and vaccination protocols.</p>
  a2673-947X