Press Releases

District leaders briefed on efforts to fight infectious diseases

     The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, today (June 17) briefed the chairmen and vice-chairmen of District Councils on the Government's efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases including dengue fever and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

     Dr Yeoh outlined the key actions taken by the Government to prevent SARS and other unknown diseases. He highlighted the progress in disease surveillance, cross-border and international collaboration, emergency preparedness, epidemic management capacity, research and development, and community involvement.

     "The Government is committed to safeguarding the health of the community.

     "Over the last 12 months, the Government has enhanced the software and hardware of our healthcare system to step up our preparedness," he said.

     "The Centre for Health Protection is now up and running, an overall contingency mechanism has been set up and over 1,400 isolation beds are now in place. We have also broadened our liaison network with health agencies on the Mainland and globally," Dr Yeoh said.

     Dr Yeoh also took the opportunity to solicit the District Councils' support for better environmental hygiene in combating mosquito transmitted diseases, particularly dengue fever.

     As good results were yielded in checking mosquito breeding with the collaboration of District Councils last year, Dr Yeoh hoped district efforts could be further mobilised in taking care of environmental and personal hygiene.

     "We need the cooperation of the public because the Government's efforts alone would not be sufficient," he added.

     Joining Dr Yeoh in the briefing session were Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Leung Pak-yin, and Senior Executive Manager (Professional Services) of the Hospital Authority, Dr Liu Shao-haei. They briefed the District Councils on the setting up of Centre for Health Protection and the preparedness of Hospital Authority respectively.

Ends/Thursday, June 17, 2004

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