ENG-2008 — Page 215

Health 163

The current Adolescent Health Programme is another example of the department's determination to improve the psychosocial health of secondary school students. Some 340 secondary schools, 102 000 students and 5 300 parents and teachers enrolled in and received services under the programme during the 2007-08 school year.

Oral Health Education

Educational and promotional activities were organised throughout the year by the department's Oral Health Education Unit to stress the importance of oral health. The activities were carried out under an outreach programme, known as the 'Oral Health Education Bus' programme, designed for primary school pupils. Information on oral health is conveyed to the public through the department's oral health education homepage, www.toothclub.gov.hk, and a 24-hour interactive telephone hotline.

In October, a campaign was launched to urge people to take proper care of their teeth. The 'Love Teeth Campaign' message reads: 'Love your Teeth. Start Flossing.' It encourages people to use dental floss to clean their teeth thoroughly.

AIDS Counselling and Education

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and health promotion programmes in Hong Kong are underpinned by the concerted efforts of the Government and the NGOs. The department's 'Red Ribbon Centre' collaborates with its community partners to promote public awareness and prevention of HIV and to discourage discrimination against HIV patients. In 2008, the centre organised 29 major activities and 174 special programmes, from which some 80 000 participants benefited. The number of new and active HIV patients reported in 2008 was 435, compared with 414 in 2007.

A 24-hour, trilingual (Cantonese, Putonghua and English) AIDS hotline 2780- 2211 has been set up to provide information to the public on AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), sexually transmitted diseases and HIV testing. Appointments for counselling service and HIV antibody tests may be made on the hotline. In 2008, about 15 000 calls were made to nurse counsellors on the hotline by people seeking AIDS counselling. About one million condoms were distributed to promote safer sex. There is also a telephone hotline called The Gay Men HIV Testing Hotline 2117-1069 and a website www.21171069.com to advise men who have sex with men. In 2008, the Gay Men HIV Testing Hotline received about 370 calls for counselling and HIV testing.

Organ Donation

The Department of Health joined hands with the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Medical Association and NGOs to promote organ donation. In 2008, the department, together with the relevant organisations, launched the Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR), to promote organ donation as a charitable life- saving act. Potential donors are encouraged to record their names in the register, expressing their wish to donate their organs after death and to make their wish