(July 1, 1958)
On June 30, the People’s Daily published an article stating that Yujiang County had essentially eradicated schistosomiasis, and that great progress was being made toward eradicating the disease in twelve provinces and municipalities. I composed two propaganda poems—somewhat like modern posters—to offer whatever small assistance I could. In terms of the lives it has destroyed, schistosomiasis far surpasses any single or combination of imperialist powers that have ever attacked us. Neither the Eight-Nation Alliance nor the War of Resistance against Japan, measured by the sheer number of lives claimed, can compare with schistosomiasis. Aside from those who have died throughout history, millions are still afflicted, and tens of millions more are under threat. If this can be tolerated, what cannot? Yet in earlier years, most of our medical professionals lacked confidence; only in the past one or two years has their enthusiasm been steadily growing, giving rise to real hope. The key has been the Party’s firm leadership and the large-scale mobilization of the masses. When the Party organizations, scientists, and the general public work together, the “plague god” has no choice but to retreat.