01905nas a2200241   4500000000100000008004100001260001800042653001900060653001800079653002200097653001900119100001400138700001600152700001900168700001500187700001500202700002300217700001400240245012500254856008200379300000900461520119300470       2025                            d  bSeven Editora10aPublic health 10aSocial stigma10aSocial inequality10aHansen disease1 aCosta ALP1 aSiqueira RL1 ados Santos VDS1 aPereira KA1 aPoletto KQ1 ade Sousa Junior EG1 aGomes STM00aLEPROSY IN BRAZIL: HISTORICAL TRAJECTORY, ADVANCES, AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INEQUALITIES  uhttps://periodicos.newsciencepubl.com/editoraimpacto/article/view/10737/12267  a1-103 a<jats:p>Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, has a complex historical trajectory in Brazil, characterized by the juxtaposition of scientific advances, social stigma, and public policies. The objective of this work was to analyze the historical and epidemiological trajectory of leprosy in Brazil, relating it to social determinants and public health policies. A narrative review of national and international literature obtained from scientific databases was conducted. It was evidenced that, despite the reduction in prevalence, endemic foci persist in the North and Northeast regions, associated with socioeconomic vulnerabilities and failures in early detection. From compulsory isolation in leper colonies to the incorporation of multidrug therapy and the integration of the disease into the Unified Health System (SUS), the history of leprosy reflects social, medical, and political transformations. Thus, the eradication of leprosy depends on the integration of intersectoral actions, health education, and addressing social inequalities; therefore, strategies to reduce stigma are important to recognize the psychosocial dimension of the illness.</jats:p>