Evaluation of leprosy epidemiological and operational indicators in priority municipalities in the state of Paraná, ..= Avaliação dos indicadores epidemiológicos e operacionais para a hanseníase em municípios prioritários no estado do Paraná, 2001 - 2010.

Editor's Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: to assess the epidemiological and operational indicators of leprosy in the cities of Curitiba, Londrina and Foz do Iguaçu, in Paraná state, Brazil.

METHODS: this was a descriptive ecological time-series study using Notifiable Diseases Information System data, for the period 2001-2010. Indicator analysis was performed as per the parameters listed in the 2002 version of the Health Ministry's Leprosy Control Guide.

RESULTS: prevalence decreased from 4.3 to 2.6 in Foz do Iguaçu and from 1.7 to 1.2 in Londrina, whilst Curitiba had less than 1 case per 10,000 inhabitants in the period. The cure rate and consequent treatment effectiveness was regular in the three municipalities.

CONCLUSION: although the cities studied have shown improvement, this is not yet sufficient to control the disease. The work already begun needs to be fully implemented in forthcoming years.