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HEALTH
the introduction of quarantinable diseases, strict action was taken against those who attempted to enter Hong Kong from infected areas without a valid international certificate. A regular exchange of epidemiological information is maintained with the World Health Organization in Geneva, the Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila and neighbouring territories.
The Port Health Service is responsible for sanitary control of the airport and these areas were kept free from Aedes aegypti (yellow fever vector) throughout the year. There is regular supervision of the purity of water supplied by dock hydrants and water boats, and of the airport catering service. Ships are inspected to determine the extent of rat infestation and international de-ratting or de- ratting exemption certificates issued. The dock area and airport are included in the rodent control scheme for the Colony and returns of rats destroyed, and epidemiological examination for plague, are submitted monthly to the World Health Organization's International Quarantine Service.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
There is increasing public understanding of the value of Hong Kong's maternal and child health facilities. Most babies are born either in hospital maternity wards or in maternity homes and confinements at home, attended by government or private midwives, are less than two per cent of total deliveries. The Government Mid- wifery Service now has 29 district centres, one of which provides a domiciliary service. Maternity beds available for deliveries in government clinics and health centres total 446. There are 149 registered midwives practising privately in 89 maternity and nurs- ing homes. Registered maternity homes are inspected regularly by the Supervisor of Midwives and her staff to ensure that con- ditions of registration are observed and that a sufficiently high standard is practised by registered midwives not working under the direct supervision of a doctor.
The Maternal and Child Health Service offers free maternal and child care at 30 centres, 17 of which are full-time. Clinics are held for infants and toddlers, and for children between two and five years old. Ante-natal and post-natal sessions are also provided. Whenever necessary, babies attending the clinics are visited at