[Long-term effect of leprosy control in both highly endemic prefectures, Weifang of Shandong and Wenshan of Yunnan].

The long-term effect of leprosy control was studied in two prefectures of different geographical conditions and socio-economic status. During 1955-1985, the incidence rate in Weifang of Shandong decreased by 94.5% (9.1-0.5/10,000) and became evident after the introduction of MDT in 1986 (0.04/10,000, 1993). In Wenshan of Yunnan, however, it remained at about 20/10,000 before 1980. After the introduction of rifampin plus dapsone in 1979 and fixed duration MDT in 1986, it decreased by 94% (20-1.2/10,000), whereas the detection rate remained constant (+5/100,000). In comparison with the features of new patients detected since 1980, we noted a steady increase of MB rate and voluntary reporting, and a decrease of deformity rate, in the last 8 years in Weifang. It is estimated that by the year 2000 Weifang may have the detection rate of 0.001260/10 thousand and the incidence rate of 0/00757/10 thousand in contrast to the detection rate of 0.2980/10 thousand and the incidence rate of 0.316/10 thousand in Wenshan.