Current situation of leprosy colonies/leprosaria and their future in P.R. China.

Objective To identify the current situation of leprosy colonies/leprosaria and make some recommendations for improving the quality of life of people affected by leprosy in China. Methods A national survey using designed forms was carried out in 2004. The forms were filled in by local heads responsible for the management of leprosy colonies/leprosaria and sent to Provincial and National Centres for analysis. Results China had 605 leprosy colonies/leprosaria with 555 active leprosy patients (on treatment) and 18,175 ex-patients (people affected by leprosy) living in them at the end of 2004. Among 18,730 patients and people affected by leprosy, 13,430 (71·7%) had grade 2 disabilities. Among those with visible disability, 6392 (47·6%) lost the ability to take care of themselves due to serious deformity. Because of a decrease in health workers working at leprosy colonies and a shortage of medical materials, the health care quality of these people was neglected. Most colonies/leprosaria were located at remote and isolated places with difficult transportation, and most buildings/houses were in danger of collapse because the colonies/leprosaria were built in the 1950's. Those affected by leprosy were in great need of help. Conclusion The authors recommend that small, remote and isolated leprosy colonies should be closed. New leprosaria at District, Provincial or National levels should be established or some old leprosaria with good transportation should be reconstructed to house those affected by leprosy from closed leprosy colonies/leprosaria. The newly established or reconstructed leprosaria could act as centres for reference, training, rehabilitation and research on leprosy.