Health 171
people stop smoking. Smokers trying to quit smoking can make appointments or make enquiries on a hotline, called 'quit-line' operated by the council.
Disease Prevention and Control
The Department of Health spent $1,253 million on disease prevention and control at its maternal, child health and elderly health centres and other such places in 2007.
Centre for Health Protection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has been in operation since its establishment on June 1, 2004. It collaborates with its counterparts overseas to prevent and control outbreaks of diseases. It observes three dictates in carrying out this task: real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication.
Much effort has been put into developing the existing information systems, which include a public health information system and a laboratory information system. A study is being carried on a plan to develop a communicable disease. information system that enables real-time exchange of data on communicable diseases.
The centre has upgraded its facilities for conducting diagnosis and clinical tests. to strengthen its surveillance of communicable diseases. Measures are also in place for strengthening infection surveillance and for analysing data on epidemiology and health care. The centre issues surveillance reports on a regular basis, as well as reports on laboratory safety and quality assurance. Protection against, and prevention of, known diseases were also strengthened. Stronger control over the spread of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections are just a few examples. A board of scientific advisers, comprising experts from different disciplines and seven scientific committees, was set up to pool professional expertise. Training and research programmes were launched regularly.
In addition to drawing up risk communication strategies and action plans, the centre, through conducting health educational campaigns and publicity programmes with district councils, has been able to release information and guidelines about diseases to the public regularly to give them a better understanding of different diseases and to increase their awareness of public health threats so that preventive measures can be taken swiftly. In addition, links with other health authorities and agencies on the Mainland, Macao and the World Health Organisation have been reinforced to share professional knowledge and experience in combating diseases.
Contingency Planning for Infectious Disease Outbreaks
To enhance government and community preparedness to cope with major outbreaks of infectious diseases, the Centre for Health Protection continues to review and update its plans for dealing with disease outbreaks. A plan for mobilising volunteers in the event of an outbreak is also in place.
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