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Members of the public are today (March 20) reminded about the threat posed by tuberculosis (TB), which remains a top infectious disease across the world. Nearly 200 people died from the disease in Hong Kong in 2009.
Speaking on 2010 World TB Day, the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, said with the concerted efforts of the Government and the public, the prevention and control of tuberculosis had been effective as reflected in the continual drop of TB cases from the peak in the 1950s and 60s.
However, Professor Leung said the Hong Kong community still faced the threat from TB and that continued caution and vigilance were required, noting the fact that there were still around 6,000 cases each year in recent years.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that there are more than nine million new TB cases each year, claiming some 1.8 million lives worldwide.
Professor Leung called for support from TB patients and the public in the battle against TB.
Hong Kong is classified by the WHO as a place with an "intermediate TB burden with good health infrastructure".
To effectively prevent TB, the Hong Kong Government has been adopting "Directly Observed Treatment" (DOT) as recommended by the WHO since the 1970s.
Under DOT, TB patients take medication regularly and complete the course of drug therapy under the direct observation of healthcare staff to minimise the possibility of the emergence of drug-resistance.
Also officiating at the ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr P Y Lam, noted that the theme of the 2010 World TB Day Campaign was "On the move against tuberculosis: Innovate to accelerate action" which stressed timely diagnosis and effective treatment to stop TB.
"To further reduce TB morbidity, we will continue to fine-tune and strengthen our strategy and measures in controlling TB," Dr Lam said.
"Meanwhile, we will maintain close collaboration with the WHO and other local and international organisations to reduce the TB burden in Hong Kong."
Dr Lam urged members of the public to build up body resistance, have adequate rest and exercise, get more fresh air and maintain a balanced diet to prevent TB.
Today's ceremony was organised jointly by the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association, the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA).
A two-day exhibition and educational activities will be held to drive home the anti-TB message.
The public can call the DH's TB hotline 2572 6024 for more TB-related information, or visit the website (www.info.gov.hk/tb_chest) jointly developed by the DH and the HA, or the WHO website (www.who.int/gtb).
Ends/Saturday, March 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:59
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