HEALTH
of notifiable infectious diseases were reported, of which 26.2 per cent were due to tuberculosis.
Children in Hong Kong are immunised against tuberculosis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella. Owing to high vaccine coverage, diseases such as diphtheria and poliomyelitis have been virtually eradicated and the incidence of other vaccine-preventable infectious diseases among children is relatively low.
At the end of 2002, the cumulative number of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases reported had exceeded 1900 and 600, respectively. Each year about 200 new cases of HIV infection are diagnosed. Sexual transmission remains the most common mode of the spread of the infection, though in recent years there has been growing concern over reports of HIV infection in injection drug users.
Hospital and Development Programmes
Demand for hospital services remained high in 2002. There were 1 205 551 discharges, 8 809 100 specialist out-patient attendances and 1 206 716 general out-patient attendances. Accident and emergency departments of major public hospitals had 2 425 444 attendances, or 6 645 per day.
The international trend has been to focus on the development of ambulatory and community care programmes. In line with this development, starting from 2001-02, the allocation of public funding for public hospital services has been changed from the facility-based approach to a population-based approach so as to encourage the mobilisation of resources from institutions to community settings. The new funding arrangement has facilitated the further development of the Hospital Authority's ambulatory and community outreach programmes.
Projects in the hospital development programme progressed satisfactorily. Phase I redevelopment of both the Caritas Medical Centre and the Kowloon Hospital was completed. Several other hospitals were undergoing redevelopment or major refurbishment/remodelling.
Primary Health Care
Family Health
The Family Health Service provides a comprehensive range of health promotion and disease prevention services for babies and young children aged from birth to five years and women aged 64 or below. The service operates through 50 Maternal and Child Health Centres and three Woman Health Centres. Physical examination, immunisation and developmental monitoring are offered to children, while antenatal, postnatal and family planning services are provided for women of child-bearing age at Maternal and Child Health Centres. A new parenting programme was introduced in September. It aims to equip parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to bring up happy and well-adjusted children. About 48 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively, of expectant mothers and newborns attended Maternal and Child Health Centres in 2002. In addition to the three Woman Health Centres, the Woman Health Service has been extended to 10 Maternal and Child Health Centres, providing health promotion and disease prevention programmes to women aged 64 or below.
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