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The notification rate of TB in Hong Kong was still high, said Mrs Fok, stressing the importance of health education on TB and reassuring the public that with the commitment of the government and various other sectors, Hong Kong would provide highest quality of care and services in the fight against the disease.
WHO has proclaimed March 24 to be the World TB Day. On this very day in 1882, the discovery of TB bacilli was officially announced.
According to WHO figures, one third of the world population (1.9 billion out of 5.7 billion) are now infected with TB bacillus.
In the next decade, 300 million more people will become infected, 90 million people will develop the disease, and 30 million people will die from it.
The local ceremony of World TB Day is jointly organised by the Department of Health and the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Disease Association.
A series of exhibitions have been organised throughout the year to promote the general public's awareness on TB prevention.
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Total number of votes cast in by-election
The poll of the Tuen Mun District Board's by-election in respect of Siu Hei constituency was closed at 10.30 pm today (Sunday).
During the 15-hour poll, a total of 1696 voters have cast their votes. representing 16.56 per cent of the total 10,242 electors.
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