The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

2020 • 02 10 eature How is leprosy treated? Before the invention of modern leprosy drugs such as sulphone, oil distilled from the seeds of the Hydnocarpus tree was widely used in treating leprosy, administered through injections. In 1982, multidrug therapy (MDT) was introduced, bringing new hope to leprosy patients as the disease is now curable. MDT is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and uses a combination of three drugs, namely dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Since then, leprosy patients are able to obtain the drugs from the nearest hospital or clinic instead of being admitted to a leprosarium. The 1926 Leper Enactment Act The Leper Enactment Act was enforced in 1926 by the British colonial government,mandating the compulsory notification and isolationof leprosy patients in order to control the spread of the disease. This policy forced leprosy patients into long-term quarantine in leprosariums and segregated them from society, leading to discrimination and marginalization. Several other leprosariums were scattered across various locations nationwide, including Pulau Jerejak, Penang (est. 1871); Pulau Serimbun, Malacca (est. 1860); Setapak, Kuala Lumpur (est. 1893); Pulau Pangkor Laut, Perak (est. 1903); Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial Hospital, Sarawak (est. 1925); Tampoi, Johor (est. 1927) and Tumpat, Kelantan (est. 1933). Currently, only the leprosariums in Tampoi and Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial Hospital remain in operation, alongside the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium.