ENG-1995 — Page 195

HEALTH

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are well under control. In 1995, there were 7 906 notifications of infectious diseases, including 6 193 cases of tuberculosis and 666 cases of viral hepatitis.

Children in Hong Kong are immunised against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccine coverage is high. As a result, diphtheria and poliomyelitis have been virtually eliminated.

A large food poisoning outbreak in August 1995 affected 681 people in a staff canteen. Investigation revealed improper processing of jellyfish by a food supplier as the cause.

HIV Infection and AIDS

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In 1995, 122 cases of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and 45 AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) patients were reported. This represented an increase of 17 per cent and 18 per cent respectively when compared with 1994. The cumulative total was 642 cases of HIV infection and 175 AIDS patients.

The Advisory Council on AIDS plays a key role in supervising Hong Kong's overall AIDS programme. Its Strategies for AIDS Prevention, Care and Control in Hong Kong paper serves as the blueprint for Hong Kong's policy on all AIDS-related issues.

The AIDS Trust Fund, established by the government in 1993, provides financial assistance to those infected with HIV through transfusion of blood or blood products in Hong Kong before August 1985. It supports community projects which provide direct services to those with HIV and AIDS, increase AIDS awareness or remove discrimination against those infected with the virus. So far, about $58.9 million has been disbursed.

The AIDS Unit of the Department of Health provides counselling and medical consultation for persons infected with HIV or at risk of infection. Members of the public can use a telephone hotline (2780 2211) to hear recorded messages in Cantonese, English and Putonghua to obtain fax messages or talk in confidence to trained counsellors. Recorded messages in Thai, Tagalog and Vietnamese are also available. In 1995, the theme of the government's media campaign on AIDS centred on support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The participation of non-governmental organisations is crucial in the fight against AIDS. The Hong Kong AIDS Foundation and AIDS Concern provide counselling and education as well as patient support services. The Community Charter on AIDS, which is a collaborative programme organised by the Department of Health in conjunction with the Lions Club International District 303 Hong Kong and Macau, achieved continued success in 1995. A total of 39 companies and organisations have joined this project to adopt a positive and non-discriminatory policy towards people with HIV or AIDS.

Hospitals and Development Programmes

Demand for hospital services remained high, as reflected by the 909 800 hospital admissions and 6 270 700 attendances at out-patient and specialist clinics. Accident

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