Hansen's disease and COVID-19 co-infection in Brazil.

Background: The implications of COVID-19 co-infection in patients under treatment for Hansen's disease (HD, leprosy) remain uncertain. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in patients with HD and COVID-19 in Brazil.

Methods: Cross-sectional study recruiting adult HD patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 from five HD treatment centers in Brazil between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

Improving treatment outcomes for leprosy in Pernambuco, Brazil: a qualitative study exploring the experiences and perceptions of retreatment patients and their carers.

Background: Brazil has a high leprosy burden and poor treatment outcomes (TOs), manifesting in high relapse rates. Pernambuco, an impoverished Brazilian state suffering notable geographical health inequalities, has 'hyperendemic' leprosy. Although current literature identifies barriers and facilitators influencing leprosy treatment compliance, inadequate investigation exists on other factors influencing TOs, including carers' roles and psycho-dermatological impact.