There is good evidence that China is the first country in the world to have abolished syphilis. J. S. Horn describes how this was done in "Away with all Pests". Felix Greene has made similar impressive claims for the record of modern China in the area of venereal disease. Thus - "Perhaps one of the most spectacular victories achieved by the new regime has been the virtual wiping out of venereal disease. I visited, in all, ten hospitals in China in city and country, old and new. In each one I asked about the incidence of syphilis. In each it drew a similar response: 'None for two years,'

'None for a long time,' etc. Wassermann tests are required from both partners before a marriage certificate is granted'. ("China, the Country Americans are not allowed to Know").