ENG-1999 — Page 219

HEALTH

In April, two cases of avian influenza A (H9N2) affecting humans were confirmed in Hong Kong for the first time. The two patients recovered fully and uneventfully. Investigation results suggested that the virus did not appear to pose an imminent major threat to public health. The Government continued to maintain close vigilance in influenza surveillance in both human and animal populations.

Children in Hong Kong are immunised against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella. Ouing to high vaccine coverage, diseases such as diphtheria and poliomyelitis have virtually been eradicated and the incidence of preventable infectious diseases among children is relatively low.

At the end of 1999, the cumulative total number of reported HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were 1 350 and 450 respectively. Sexual transmission remained the most important mode of spread of the infection. In 1999, the Advisory Council on AIDS published the AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong 1999-2001 which outlined the objectives, strategies and targets of AIDS programmes for those three years.

Hospital and Development Programmes

Demand for hospital services remained high. In 1999, there were 1 084 000 hospital admissions and 8 262 000 attendances at out-patient and specialist clinics. Accident and emergency departments of major public hospitals had 2 376 000 attendances or 6 500 per day.

Projects in the hospital development programme progressed satisfactorily. The 458- bed Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the 544-bed Kowloon Medical Rehabilitation Centre were completed. The Lai King Hospital was being built. Several other hospitals and specialist clinics

undergoing redevelopment or major

refurbishment.

Primary Health Care

Primary health care is advocated by the World Health Organisation to provide essential preventive, promotive and curative health services for the population so as to achieve optimal health. In the Department of Health, services are targeted at various age groups.

Family Health

The Family Health Service's 50 maternal and child health centres provide antenatal, postnatal and family planning services for women of child-bearing age, as well as physical examination, immunisation and developmental monitoring for children under six years. Health education and counselling for parents are core activities of the service. About 45 per cent and 94 per cent respectively of expectant mothers and local new-borns attended Maternal and Child Health Centres in 1999. Comprehensive preventive health services are available for women aged 45 to 64 at three women health centres.

The government-subvented Family Planning Association of Hong Kong runs eight birth control clinics, three youth health care centres and a mobile clinic. Sexual and reproductive health services in fertility regulation, contraception, male and female sterilisation, gynaecological check-up, pre-marital check-up, pre-pregnancy check-up,

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