Recife, April 22, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Ministry of Health in Brazil plans to spend approximately US$ 10.25 million (R$ 30 million) this year on programs to combat leprosy. This communicable disease, transmitted by the Hansen's bacillus, is responsible for the appearance of 45 thousand new cases each year among the Brazilian population.

This information was provided today in Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, by the director of the Ministry of Health's department of Epidemiological Surveillance, Expedito Luna.

According to Luna, leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is spread through respiratory paths and affects the peripheral nervous system. It can cause movement impairments. The disease, which is associated with poverty, should be eliminated by December, 2005. Luna explained that the symptoms begin with spots on the skin and undergo a slow evolution.

Strategies aimed at accelerating the process of early diagnosis and treatment to eliminate the illness are being discussed today and tomorrow (23) by state coordinators of the leprosy control program in the states of Northeast Brazil, in a seminar in Recife.

The event counts on the backing of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).

Translator: David Silberstein