March 24, 2000
Tuberculosis (TB) is a very important disease in the world including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and about 7 000 such cases are reported here annually, the Acting Director of Health, Dr Paul Saw said today (March 24).
Hong Kong's TB workers are providing various types of high quality anti-TB services -- preventive measures, out-patient and in-patient medical care services and health education services.
These include the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association, the Hospital Authority, the Department of Heath (DH) and personnel of other related organisations.
"The co-operation between healthcare workers and the patients' family members in providing full support to the patients, would be the essential elements in successfully controlling TB."
Dr Saw was addressing the Ceremony of the "World Tuberculosis Day" in Grand Century Place, Mongkok.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis And Lung Diseases (IUATLD) had declared March 24 as the World Tuberculosis Day.
Dr Saw said: "Our slogan for 2000 is: 'Eradicating TB depends on you and me'. It calls for continuous efforts in our anti-TB work.
"It is hoped that the disease could be eliminated through the joint efforts of the Government and the citizens together with international collaboration.
Members of the public can prevent TB by following a healthy lifestyle. The most important thing is to maintain a good body defence, have adequate rest and exercises and have a balanced diet.
Dr Saw said: "Parents should make sure that their children have received vaccination for the protection against TB."
Persons who develop symptoms of the disease such as having blood in sputum, coughing for more than three weeks, suffering from weight loss, prolonged fever and sweating at night, should seek medical advice as soon as possible or visit one of DH's 18 chest clinics.
For enquiries, they may dial DH's Tuberculosis and Chest Service Hotline 2572 6024.
Jointly organised by DH, the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association and the Hospital Authority, the "World Tuberculosis Day" activities include an exhibition and a drama competition.
There were 7 557 TB cases reported in 1999, compared with 7 673 and 7 072 cases reported in 1998 and 1997 respectively.