Publications
In 2008, four quarterly HANDA Newsletters have been issued. The first issue is a special edition called “Rekindle Love in Life----Dr. Yang Lihe’s Fifty Years with Leprosy Rehabilitation” in both Chinese and English. It was printed into 9000 copies and issued to 98 villages and 94 relative government departments and dermatology institutes in 20 provinces. In 2008, HANDA Newsletter received 102 manuscripts, 84 of which came from people affected by leprosy and HANDA workers and this showed the big support and great interest of people affected by leprosy. In 2007, HANDA annual report has been printed in 2000 copies and delivered to the cooperative partners to let them know about the progress of HANDA projects and current situation of people affected by leprosy. In addition, publication materials such as brochures of scientific knowledge on leprosy were also printed and distributed.
Correspondents Communication Workshop
In 2008, HANDA held the 4th Correspondents Communication Workshop in Guangzhou. 14 correspondents from all over China attended the meeting. The conference recalled and summarized the achievements as well as the deficiency of HANDA Newsletter, and gave expectations about strengthening work on HANDA Newsletter the next year. The meeting emphasized that correspondents were important part of HANDA Newsletter, and important provider conveying information about leprosy villages as well as people affected by leprosy. They have obligations to contribute to HANDA. HANDA requires editors and all correspondents should accumulate and write more quality stories in the following work. Sticking to HANDA working principle “Helping people to help themselves”, they should report more information and write more quality articles. Li Guike from Yunnan said that HANDA Newsletter is a platform for people affected by leprosy to express their inside voice and desire. We should encourage them to write stories of their own, of people around, making more people to read their mind and enhance their self-confidence. Through this communication meeting, correspondents rediscover their work and find shortcomings. Meanwhile they gained self-confidence, happiness and motivation.