Leprosy, known as Hansen's disease, is a long-term infectious condition caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacterium. It mainly affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, resulting in skin lesions and nerve damage. In the 1890s, China grappled with significant challenges in managing leprosy and providing care for those affected.

At that time, leprosy was a stigmatized and poorly understood disease, often associated with fear and societal exclusion. Ignorance regarding its transmission and treatment led to the ill-treatment and discrimination of those affected. They were frequently ostracized, enduring a life of isolation and difficulty.

In some instances, leprosy can cause severe nerve damage. This can result in a loss of sensation in impacted areas, impairing the ability to feel pain, touch, or temperature shifts. Such sensory loss increases the risk of injuries and infections going undetected