ENG-2000 — Page 222

HEALTH

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Infectious Diseases

Hong Kong lists 27 statutory notifiable infectious diseases, including three quarantinable diseases, namely cholera, plague and yellow fever. In 2000, 20 597 cases of notifiable infectious diseases were reported, of which 37 per cent were due to tuberculosis.

Children in Hong Kong are immunised against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella. Owing 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.

Poliomyelitis was a public health problem in Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s. With a high polio immunisation coverage, coupled with a high level of vigilance among public health professionals, the number of cases declined dramatically in the 1970s and 1980s. The last case of poliomyelitis due to wild poliovirus was reported in 1983. The World Health Organisation's Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication in the Western Pacific declared in October 2000 that wild poliovirus transmission has been interrupted in the Western Pacific Region, including Hong Kong. This is an important milestone in moving towards the global eradication of poliomyelitis.

At the end of 2000, the cumulative number of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases reported had exceeded 1 500 and 500 respectively. Sexual transmission remained the most important mode of spread of the infection. During the year, a community planning committee was formed by the Hong Kong Coalition of AIDS Service Organisations. Supported by the Advisory Council on AIDS, the committee has been providing a new forum for involving the community in prioritising AIDS prevention activities.

Hospital and Development Programmes

Demand for hospital services remained high in 2000. There were 1 151 806 hospital discharges and 8 111 583 attendances at out-patient and specialist clinics. Accident and emergency departments of major public hospitals had 2 423 079 attendances or 6 620 per day.

Projects in the hospital development programme progressed satisfactorily. The 256- bed Princess Margaret Hospital Lai King Building was completed. Several other hospitals and specialist clinics. were undergoing redevelopment

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. The Department of Health provides services that target people of all ages.

Family Health

The Family Health Service provides a comprehensive range of promotive and preventive services for babies and young children from birth up to the age of five years and women at age 64 or below. The service operates through 50 Maternal and