An uncertain cure: Living with leprosy in Brazil

摘要

With proof of the effectiveness of multidrug therapy, in 1991 the WHO declared a campaign to eliminate the ancient scourge of leprosy; by 2009, it had succeeded in reducing active cases from over 5 million worldwide to just over 200,000. The bulk of these patients reside in India and Brazil. Yet, as Cassandra White cogently argues, the cure remains uncertain. In her thorough study of leprosy treatment in Rio de Janeiro, White identifies medical, social and political economic problems with disseminating information and resources to affected populations.