DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOCE DE HANSENÍASE E AÇÕES ESTRATÉGICAS PARA A SUA DETECÇÃO

ABSTRACT Introduction: The diagnosis of leprosy still causes great social impact, both because it is often late and evolves with sequelae, and because of the stigmas that surround it. Brazil persists as an endemic area and has the second largest number of cases of the disease in the world. The state of Tocantins represents one of the areas with high endemicity in the country, with a significant increase in the number of diagnoses in children under 15 years and in the number of people diagnosed with disability grade II. Methodology: This is a literature review of the narrative type, carried out through publications on strategic actions for the early diagnosis of leprosy, between the period of 2012 to 2017. Development: The current situation of leprosy shows the persistence of transmission, lack of actions for effective control, sub detection and a late diagnosis of this pathology. This article discusses the main strategic actions for the early diagnosis of leprosy, as well as the important diagnostic methods, providing greater assistance to primary health care professionals. Final considerations: In order to increase the early diagnosis in an adequate way, it is essential the search and evaluation of contacts, the adequate qualification of health professionals, the health education of the population and the participation of managers. Keywords: Leprosy; early diagnosis; strategies; primary care.