182 | Health
Disease Prevention and Control
The Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation, came into effect on July 14, 2008. This ordinance ensures that the laws of Hong Kong are in line with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (2005) of the WHO. It strengthens Hong Kong's infectious disease control structure so that the territory can tackle infectious. diseases in a more effective manner and cope with public health emergencies.
The DH spent $1.62 billion on disease prevention and control at its maternal, child health and elderly health centres and similar facilities in the 2010-11 financial year.
Centre for Health Protection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has been in operation since June 1, 2004. It collaborates with its local and international counterparts to effectively prevent and control diseases in Hong Kong. It works on three principles: real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication. To carry out its mission, the centre has formulated three strategic directions: protect the health of the community, promote healthy living in the community, and partner with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.
The centre will continue to strengthen its infection surveillance and data analyses on epidemiology and health care. By setting up an effective reporting and monitoring system as well as upgrading facilities for conducting diagnosis and clinical tests, the centre has kept track of communicable diseases effectively. The centre issues surveillance reports on a regular basis, as well as reports on laboratory data and quality assurance.
Prevention and control of, and education on known diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases were also strengthened. A board of scientific advisers, comprising experts from different disciplines, and seven scientific committees meets periodically to assist the centre in formulating effective policies to improve the local health protection system. Regular training and research. programmes are also conducted.
The centre also uses health education campaigns and publicity programmes run in association with district councils to provide information and guidelines on diseases, alerting the public to health threats and facilitating rapid implementation of preventive measures. In addition, links with other health authorities and agencies. in the Mainland, in Macao and at the WHO have been reinforced to share professional knowledge and experience in combating diseases.
Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases
The CHP continually reviews and updates its strategies for coping with major outbreaks of infectious diseases, ensuring both the Government and the community are prepared to deal with them. A plan for mobilising volunteers in the event of an outbreak is also in place.