Public Awareness
Reducing the stigma and misinformation surrounding leprosy and promoting social inclusion is one of our prime tasks. It is also important for early treatment and prevention of disabilities of new patients who are reluctant to come forward because the stigma relate to leprosy.

We no longer use the term ‘leper’ rather we say ‘people affected by leprosy.’ In fact the World Health Organisation recommended banning the word “leper” some thirty years ago because of the stigma attached to it. Journalists and reporters are urged not to use any discriminative terminology.

 The Project has:

  • Worked to improve the understanding of the disease through public education.Given seminars in schools and communities and encourages volunteers to visit the villages so they can see first- hand that they have nothing fear and that the villages are no different from any other village.

  • An important annual event is the March 11 International Day of Dignity and Respect. Events are held in the center of Xichang City and in villages and towns near the project villages. These events provide excellent opportunities to educate the public about leprosy. Participation in these events by people affected by leprosy is key to helping the public understand the disease and to stop them from fearing both the disease and people affected by it.

  • Arranged for villagers to be invited to attend agriculture fairs organised by the Government in Xichang City to promote their products.

  • Helped to organize The Black Soil Cooperative which helps farmers in the Project villages promote their agricultural products such as 100% pure honey, Sichuan peppers, buckwheat and many other products. The Cooperative maintains a small shop in Xichang.

  • Arranged for people affected by leprosy to attend agriculture trainings in the greater Chengdu area, Beijing, Henan Province and other places. The successful eco pig pen project was the fruit of the field trip to Beijing and Henan Province.

  • Assisted village students to further their studies in boarding schools outside their village; this is a great way to integrate villagers with the public.

  • Helped to educate the Medical Profession about leprosy, its prevention and treatment