The Ministry of Health has been facing a shortage of medicines for leprosy and, as a result, patients across the country have been prevented from starting treatment or have had to stop using it. The information is from Folha de S. Paulo.
A document from the ministry points out that it was found that polychemotherapy and clofazimine, which are first-line drugs, were donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and have not yet arrived in Brazil.
According to the Ministry of Health, the WHO delayed the production of medicines and had problems with maritime logistics near the Middle East.
The agency also indicated that the amount of clofazimine received in 2023 was not enough to meet demand due to increased consumption.
Health suggests that patients use the medication ROM (rifampicin + ofloxacin + minocycline), which is recommended for a single dose per month.
