ENG-1992 — Page 167

HEALTH

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Health of the Community

The community's good general level of health is attributable to the comprehensive range of preventive, promotive and personal health services, and a comparatively high standard of living. This is reflected by health indices which compare favourably with those of industrialised nations. Infant mortality remained below seven per 1 000 live births and the average life expectancy at birth has increased to 81 for females and 75 for males.

Cancers, heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases (strokes) continue to be the leading causes of death, accounting for 58 per cent of the mortalities in the territory. These diseases generally affect older people. Given the continual ageing of the population, it is anticipated that these diseases will remain prominent in the near future.

There were three cases of cholera at the end of 1992. One was a local sporadic case while two were imported cases with a history of travel abroad. Prompt control was instituted and no secondary spread was found.

Although communicable diseases are largely under control, they still pose a threat. Viral hepatitis and tuberculosis have re-emerged, both locally and overseas.

In 1992, Hong Kong experienced its biggest hepatitis A epidemic to date. This commenced in December 1991 and continued until July 1992. A total of 3 496 cases were reported, of which 281 cases occurred among Vietnamese migrants. To control the situation, health education and publicity measures were increased and control of food premises (including raiding and prosecution of illegal food hawkers) were stepped up.

There were 6 534 tuberculosis notifications during the year, representing a notification rate of 112 per 100 000 population. A total of 410 deaths were reported.

To protect the population from infectious diseases, children in Hong Kong are immunised against nine important infectious diseases from an early age. These include tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella. As a result of the high coverage of immunisation, diphtheria and poliomyelitis have been virtually eradicated from the territory and the incidence of other diseases among children are kept at low levels.

The immunisation programmes are carried out at maternal and child health centres for children under six, and at primary schools. BCG, polio type 1 vaccine and the first dose of hepatitis B are given to newborn babies in hospitals and maternity homes. The coverage rates are over 97 per cent.

Immunisation for all infants against hepatitis B was first introduced in November 1988. Hepatitis B vaccination was also offered to children born between 1986 and 1988 on a one-off basis in 1992. A total of 141 338 vaccinations were given between July and November 1992.

All new born babies are covered in the Combined Neonatal Screening Programme for congenital hypothyroidism and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency. This facilitates early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions which may lead to disability. Parents of children identified through the screening programme are advised on the treatment and management needs of their children.

HIV Infection and AIDS

The influence exerted by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) virus infection is increasing world-wide. As there is yet no cure for AIDS and no effective vaccine against HIV infection, HIV continues to pose a