China grants entry to people affected by leprosy

In July China made a significant move for human rights by overturning its decision to ban foreign visitors with leprosy from entering their country during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In advance of the Olympics, China published “A Guideline to Chinese Law for Foreigners Coming to, Leaving or Staying in China during the Olympics.” One of the stipulations was that persons who have leprosy are not allowed to enter their country.

However, on 18 June China was party to the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the United Nations on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. Banning people affected by leprosy from entering China to watch the Olympic Games in Beijing would directly contravene this resolution.

Just days before the commencement of the Olympic Games in Beijing, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine decided to allow the entry of leprosy patients and their families into China.
This historic decision follows an appeal made by the WHO Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Leprosy, Mr Sasakawa, who wrote to the Chinese Premier Hu Jintao, President Liu Qi of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympics and International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge. Mr Sasakawa asked them to annul a previous ruling which banned people affected by leprosy from entering China.
“Although this event happened quietly, this is a momentous event in the global fight against leprosy and the unimaginable suffering it causes,’ said Geoff Warne, General Director of The Leprosy Mission International. “China is to be applauded for this decision. It is our hope and prayer that other countries and communities will follow this lead and bring an end to discrimination endured by leprosy sufferers worldwide.”

Officials have stated that people affected by leprosy will continue to be allowed into China after the Olympic Games have ended.

An historic resolution

On 18 June, the eighth United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously approved a resolution tabled by Japan on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. The resolution called on governments to take effective measures to eliminate any type of discrimination against people affected by leprosy and their families. China was one of 58 countries to co-sponsor this resolution.
In 2006 and in 2007 two Global Appeals to end Stigma and Discrimination against people affected by leprosy were launched to bring world attention to the human rights’ abuses suffered by many leprosy-affected people.

Leprosy in China

According to WHO’s latest figures, around 1,506 new cases of leprosy were reported in China in 2006.

There are around 600 leprosy villages in China situated in remote areas of the country.

Leprosy is curable but many people in China are afraid of the disease and see it as a curse. They often hide their symptoms from their family and community.

The Leprosy Mission (TLM) works around the world providing medical care, rehabilitation, education, disability care and advocacy for people and their families affected by leprosy. And TLM is passionate about overcoming the stigma that exists in many countries, preventing people from receiving the treatment they need or causing oppression and discrimination. China’s move to welcome foreign visitors affected by leprosy is a step in the right direction of overcoming stigma.

About leprosy

About four million people around the world live with the permanent effects of leprosy. Leprosy attacks nerves in the hands, feet and face. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness and recurring ulcers and infections. These ulcers and infections in the hands and feet develop when cuts, bruises and burns are ignored due to a lack of sensation and secondary infections occur.

A combination of three separate medications (Dapsone, Clofazamine and Rifampicin), known as Multi-Drug Therapy, kills the bacteria that cause leprosy. On average the cost to bring the cure and necessary after-cure treatment to a patient is about £165 (AUD$375). This sum covers medication, surgery and rehabilitation.

Leprosy Mission Australia partners with Habitat for Humanity in China, to support this work please click donate now, donations over $2 are tax deductible.