Mountain rehab center houses disease survivors

GUANGZHOU — Nestled deep in Maofeng Mountain in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, a small rehabilitation center has become home to over 30 leprosy survivors.

The chronic infectious disease, which typically leads to permanent damage such as skin lesions and physical deformities, once brought profound suffering to humanity worldwide.

Guangdong used to have a high prevalence of leprosy. As the disease was infectious and there were no effective medicines at that time, China adopted centralized isolation and treatment for the patients in remote locations, according to Ling Hanyi, who’s in charge of the rehabilitation center, which was once a major treatment venue for leprosy patients.

“At its peak, hundreds of leprosy patients were admitted here,” Ling said.

Working on leprosy prevention and treatment here for 36 years, Ling has witnessed the decline of leprosy cases across the country. Today, China has essentially eliminated leprosy, and the disease is in a low-prevalence state.

In the 1980s, China began to promote home-based rehabilitation for people affected by the disease. However, due to various reasons such as disability caused by the disease, loss of contact with family members and the longterm recovery process, some leprosy convalescents chose to stay in rehabilitation centers.

In Ling’s rehabilitation center, there are 31 elderly convalescents, with an average age of 78 and the oldest being 99. Most of them suffer from physical disabilities.

They did not easily give up on themselves, but established a vegetable garden in the rehabilitation center, persevering in watering and fertilizing. They have a harvest every year, Ling said. “I accept the vegetables they harvest, which could help them feel accepted and needed.”

In recent years, the rehabilitation center has also undergone renovations, including improvements to the sewage treatment and water supply system. A canteen for the elderly has also been established and caregivers hired to continuously enhance the lives of the convalescents.

“Only those who have experienced leprosy know its pain,” said 84-year-old convalescent surnamed Wen. He noted that in the past, there were misunderstandings and discrimination against leprosy patients, but the young people are no longer afraid of leprosy.

“Although they are growing older, they have never been forgotten. We always do our best to take care of them,” Ling added.