Spatial analysis of neglected diseases in Brazil, 2007 to 2009

This paper aims to describe a set of epidemiological information regarding the spatial distribution of selected neglected diseases in Brazil from 2007 to 2009 and health care infrastructure and socio-economic indicators 2010. An ecological study of the spatial analysis, based on the incidence of tuberculosis, visceral leishmaniasis, American cutaneous leishmaniasis, malaria and prevalence of leprosy and schistosomiasis. Maps with the spatial distribution of the prevalence and incidence rates were drawn, as well as cluster detection maps, applying spatial statistical analysis techniques. A thematic map with the total distribution of priority municipalities was developed for each disease. Malaria and schistosomiasis had the highest incidence and prevalence rates respectively. All diseases analyzed showed dependence in the spatial correlation measure. A total of 1,630 Brazilians municipalities (29%) were considered by the Ministry of Health as a priority to receive control actions for at least one of the studied diseases. North and Northeast regions concentrate municipalities with at least three simultaneous diseases, which overlap with the lowest socio-economic indicators. Spatial analysis studies may contribute to a better planning and organizing health care and services, aiming to reduce the existent gap regarding scientific knowledge on neglected diseases.