Mortality from neglected tropical diseases in the state of Maranhão, Brazil: a guidance for health planning in vulnerable areas

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are chronic infectious diseases affecting low-income populations (mainly in tropical and subtropical climates), characterized by high morbidity and low mortality. This study described the epidemiology of mortality from NTDs in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System evidenced 2,642 deaths from NTDs between 2001 and 2021; 31.13% were related to leishmaniasis (mainly the visceral form) and 20.82% to leprosy. A total of 211 municipalities in Maranhão had registered mortality due to NTDs. We identified, high-risk spatial and spatiotemporal conglomerates in the western and southern areas of Maranhão, comprising mostly municipalities with high social vulnerability and low human development. Integrated mapping of NTDs may allow the development of public intervention policies and is an important strategy to control and eliminate NTDs in the most affected populations.