To evaluate the epidemiology of leprosy in Brazil during the 21st century, based on national databases.

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by neuropathy that compromises nerve function and can lead to disability. Brazil has the highest number of reported cases, followed by India and Indonesia. In view of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal of eradicating the disease by 2030. In Brazil, ongoing efforts to control infectious diseases have contributed to a gradual reduction in incidence over the years.

961,477 people were diagnosed with Hansen's disease between 2001-2024, the majority of whom were male (56%), aged between 20-59 years (79.7%), with incomplete primary schooling (80.2%), and living in the Northwest region (40.1%). With regard to the type of disease, 65.6% were multibacillary and 43.4% were non-reactive. As for treatment, 57.7% were on a 12-month regimen, while 32.7% were on a 6-month regimen. The incidence remained steadily low at around 45% between 2003-2016 and 8% between 2016-2023.

In Brazil, almost 1 million people were infected with leprosy in the 21st century. The majority of these patients were adults with a low level of schooling, in a region with an HDI (human development index) of 659, culminating in low access to health infrastructures and greater refinement in studies that contribute to the interpretation of the subject.