Leprosy experts from DAHW visited NCLC and leprosy village in Anhui Province

Invited by National Center for Leprosy Control, China CDC (NCLC), Dr. Adolf Walter Diefenhardt, Head of the Medical- Social Project Department, Dr. Wolfgang Kampf, Chief Representative of China Project, and Dr. Thomas Jude Chiang, Medical Advisor to Pakistan of German Leprosy and TB Relief Association (DAHW) visited NCLC from December 5 to 7, 2006.

Accompanied by Prof. Zhang Guocheng, Deputy Director General, NCLC, Dr. Yu Meiwen, Deputy Director, Department of Leprosy Control, NCLC and other staff, the leprosy experts from DAHW firstly had a field visit in Mingguang County, Anhui Province on December 6, 2006. The experts had a clear overview of leprosy control programme and the general information of people affected by leprosy at county level. At the same time, the experts also visited Sishan Leprosy Village in Mingguang County and made some suggestions to leprosy control at community level. The experts from DAHW was warmly welcomed by local authorities and leprosy workers.

On December 7, leprosy staff from NCLC presented history, situation and current problems and challenges in leprosy to experts from DAHW. Meanwhile, the support from international NGOs to Chinese national and provincial leprosy control programme was also introduced to them. The experts from DAHW and NCLC had a discussion on future cooperation in leprosy services after the presentation. At last, the representatives from DAHW showed that they were trying to find partners to support leprosy services and care in China.