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well as local publicity at certain areas of the New Territories

where malaria cases have been reported including the distribu-

tion of pamphlets, posters, health talks, slide shows at the

villages and in schools. Health education is aimed at advising

the general public to take personal protection measures against

mosquito bites and also to attend doctors promptly whenever

signs and symptoms of malaria are suspected.

Since March this year the Department has mounted a health

publicity campaign advising the public to take the necessary

precautionary measures when visiting the malaria receptive areas

such as Sai Kung and the border area or when travelling to

malaria endemic countries.

(4) Laboratory Facilities and Staff Training

Since June 1984, the Department has organised a training

programme on the diagnosis of malaria for the laboratory staff.

Two such courses had been held for laboratory technicians from

the Government, subvented and private sectors. Seminars on

the prevention and control of malaria were also organised for

the medical, nursing and the health inspectorate. Staff had

also been sent to Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand

to acquire the latest knowledge and technique in laboratory

diagnosis and prevention and control of malaria.

Since August 1984, a central reference laboratory on

malaria has been established at the Sai Ying Pun Institute of

Pathology. This reference laboratory provides consultative

services to other laboratories as well as serving as a

reference and monitoring centre for the diagnosis of malaria.

/P. 4.