Social aspects and rehabilitation. International Leprosy Congress, Beijing, 7-12 September 1998. Workshop report.

1. Equal rights and opportunities for people affected with leprosy to develop their full potentials is a matter of human rights. 2. Leprosy and its consequences are a complex human problem leading to discriminations, stigma and prejudices. 3. There is lack of complete understanding about global needs for rehabilitation. 4. Concentration on medical care of people affected with leprosy (MDT, surgery, etc.), though vastly beneficial, has led to highly inadequate psycho-socio-economic rehabilitation in a holistic manner resulting in poor quality of life. 5. People affected with leprosy have not been full partners and decision makers for their own development and lack self-confidence and opportunities for self-expression. 6. Community and health providers lack the right attitude and sensitivity, thus failing to assist in the empowerment of people affected with leprosy in an integrated manner. 8. There is insufficient coordination at international/NGOs/government levels to utilize scarce resources to allow full development of people affected with leprosy.