Leishmaniasis has high prevalence in Brazil and in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. The lack of knowledge about these diseases favors their dissemination. The perception regarding the educational practices on Leishmaniasis among primary and secondary science and biology teachers was investigated. Ten professionals were interviewed using the saturation criteria and the analysis of content. The results showed that teachers give little importance to Leishmaniasis, address the subject superficially and find themselves unprepared to teach it. They indicated several risk situations in the region and a lack of prophylactic public policies. The context of health education within the educational system complicates the adoption of prophylactic actions. Alternatives to work on Leishmaniasis in schools are discussed, integrating the teaching of science and health.
Leishmaniasis; perception; health education; science and biology teachers.