Hanseniasis control in São Paulo State, Brasil.

Socieconomic and sanitary characteristics of São Paulo State, where the Unified and Decentralized Health System (SUDS) is being developed, are described. SUDS basic strategy is the municipalization of primary health care. The Hanseniasis Control Program (GEPRO-hanseniasis), included in this context, is analysed under the point of view of administrative connections, objectives and performance. Special programs aiming at the absorption of new technology, such as multidrugtherapy and the early serological diagnosis of the disease, are also studied.