Study on global leprosy policy I

—Transition of isolation policy in Hawaii—

Abstract

  In Hawaii the epidemic of leprosy began in the middle of the nineteenth century. In response, the Kingdom of Hawai’i government decided to isolate it as a public health policy in 1865, began treatment of patients using Kalawaw of Molokai as a medical treatment area. The patient’s findings were made by snitching and arrest and sent to Molokai without mercy. Originally, the government aimed for agricultural colonies self-sufficient in patients in Karawawo, but due to geographical characteristics and lack of budget, the agricultural colony concept failed and Karawawo became a lawless zone, causing many confusion. In 1873 Father Damian went to Karawawo, started salvation of the patient, also served as negotiator with the government, confusion was settled. Thereafter, security was secured for Kalaowo by the increase of leprosy measures expenses, the establishment of a security system, etc., and the sanatoria spread to neighboring Kala Papa, and in the process of expansion and system development and the involvement of the United States absolute isolation policy developed.