INTRODUCTION:
Leprosy represents a significant challenge for health managers and professionals. It is a neglected disease affecting patients with social and economic vulnerabilities, linked to health determinants and a historical past of social stigma and prejudice. The objective is to diagnose the healthcare network for patients with suspected or confirmed leprosy, highlighting weaknesses in the laboratory and diagnostic support network.

METHODS:
This is a cross-sectional observational study. A qualitative-quantitative questionnaire was used to characterize assistance, examination and diagnostic networks, treatment, and surveillance actions. The questionnaire was sent to regional health bases and forwarded to the epidemiological surveillance of each municipality. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS v.26.

RESULTS:
Skin smear microscopy for leprosy is offered in all health macro-regions, serving as a positive factor for early diagnosis in special cases. However, only the Far South, West, and Southeast regions have between 50% and 80% of municipalities offering the exam. The other six macro-regions have fewer than 40% of municipalities performing smears, hindering access. While all regions have municipalities providing skin biopsies and histological exams, the Far South macro-region stands out with 42.1%. Peripheral nerve biopsies are performed at the ICOM (tertiary reference), but many municipalities are unaware of the referral location.

CONCLUSIONS:
Leprosy is a management challenge in the state of Bahia, showing fragile access to diagnostic support exams in some macro-regions. Constructing a Care Line with defined flows and examination sites is a strategy to guarantee comprehensive assistance to leprosy patients.