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Appointments to Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis
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     The Government announced today (June 29) the appointments to the Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis for a term of three years from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2021.
 
     Co-chaired by the Director of Health and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, the Steering Committee has been set up to formulate strategies to effectively prevent and control viral hepatitis. Appointed by the Secretary for Food and Health, membership comprises representatives of academia and experts of different medical specialties, the Food and Health Bureau, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority.
 
     The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, said that viral hepatitis carries a huge disease burden in terms of morbidity and mortality both locally and worldwide.  
 
     "In order to step up our efforts with a view to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Hong Kong, a comprehensive strategy covering both prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis would be instrumental," Professor Chan said. 
 
     "With the valuable advice from members who are renowned experts and academics specialising in viral hepatitis, the Steering Committee will spearhead the effort in devising and following through with an action plan for the territory," she added.
 
     Hong Kong has implemented universal hepatitis B testing of pregnant mothers and hepatitis B vaccination of all newborns for 30 years. Together with various infection control measures, these strategies have successfully lowered the prevalence of hepatitis B in many groups of the population. However, viral hepatitis continues to present major health concern, as chronic infection may give rise to liver-related complications, including liver cancer, one of the most common cancers in Hong Kong.
 
     The terms of reference of the Steering Committee are:
 
(1) to keep in view local and international developments in the prevention and control of viral hepatitis;
 
(2) to advise the Government on overall policy, targeted strategies and effective resource allocation related to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis with a view to formulating an Action Plan; and
 
(3) to conduct and co-ordinate monitoring and evaluation of viral hepatitis control as set out in the Action Plan, and recommend appropriate response.
 
     Membership of the Steering Committee is as follows:
 
Co-chairpersons
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Director of Health
Chief Executive, Hospital Authority
 
Ex-officio members
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Deputy Secretary for Food and Health (Health) 1
Controller, Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health
Director (Quality and Safety), Hospital Authority
 
Members
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Professor Henry Chan Lik-yuen
Dr Angus Chan Ming-wai
Dr Rita Ho Ka-wai
Dr Thomas Lai Sik-to
Dr Lao Wai-cheung
Professor Lau Yu-lung
Professor Lee Shui-shan
Dr Nancy Leung Wai-yee
Dr Leung Wing-cheong
Dr Janice Lo Yee-chi
Dr Owen Tsang Tak-yin
Professor Richard Yuen Man-fung
 
Ends/Friday, June 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:00
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