HEALTH
serious threat. In 1992, 73 cases of HIV infection were reported. This brings the total number of cases reported since the beginning of the surveillance programme in April 1985 to 339. Fourteen new cases of AIDS were reported in 1992, giving a cumulative total of 73 cases, of which 48 have died.
The fight against HIV/AIDS continues with the Advisory Council on AIDS of the Department of Health taking the lead. Under the Council, the Committee on Education and Publicity on AIDS (CEPAIDS) continues to work towards promoting greater community involvement in AIDS education, sustaining awareness of the disease among members of the public, co-ordinating the training of intermediaries to provide education and counselling, promoting respect for the confidentiality of and preventing discrimination against HIV-infected individuals, evaluating the effectiveness of the programmes and co-ordinating activities for special target groups such as students, youth workers, drug abusers and sexually-active persons. To achieve these objectives, seven working groups were formed under CEPAIDS, each responsible for a specific area of the work.
The Scientific Working Group, also under the council, is concerned with the technical aspects of the preventive programmes. The working group concentrates on the production of comprehensive guidelines for the prevention of transmission of HIV in health care settings, oversees HIV surveillance programmes, undertakes quality assurance programmes on HIV antibody testing and carries out studies and scientific research projects.
To foster collaboration with the community, the Hong Kong AIDS Foundation was incorporated in May 1991 as a non-governmental organisation to supplement and complement government's efforts. The Foundation's activities include research, health promotion and education, publicity and counselling services. In particular, it mobilises public support and opens up avenues for community participation.
The AIDS Counselling and Health Education Service continues to provide counselling and medical consultation for persons who are at risk of contracting AIDS. Health talks are arranged for various groups such as students, prison inmates and intravenous drug abusers. Members of the public can use a special telephone hotline to obtain advice in confidence. Blood tests may be arranged under conditions of complete anonymity.
Mass screening of all donated blood for antibodies to AIDS virus has been carried out since 1985 by the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. This ensures the safety of blood used in transfusion and transmission of HIV through this route has become unlikely.
Review of Primary Health Care
Primary health care, which emphasises promotion of general health and prevention of disease, is recognised world-wide as the most cost-effective means to provide health care services.
The Working Party on Primary Health Care, whose report was endorsed by the Government in 1991, made 102 recommendations to improve Hong Kong's primary health care service. The key recommendations are being implemented in phases. These include improvements to over 50 general out-patient clinics, the establishment of a well woman clinic, preventive health programmes for the elderly and a clinical information system. A review on occupational health has also been conducted.
Training in family medicine is a priority area for improvement. Several training programmes have been devised. A training and education centre in family medicine was opened in Ngau Tau Kok Jockey Club Clinic.
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