Special attention ruled out over virus
Mary Ann Benitez
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Local health authorities have no plans to single out children of mainland mothers for special attention in their drive to further reduce hepatitis B carrier rates.This is despite the prevalence of the virus in those born in the mainland being 2-3 percent, according to a project undertaken by AsiaHep Hong Kong, in collaboration with Tuen Mun Hospital.
By contrast, from 2003 to 2009, no local child up to the age of 14 was found to be carrying the virus, and from 2007-09 no more than nine in the 15-24 age group were infected each year, according to the chairwoman of AsiaHep Hong Kong, retired Chinese University medical professor Nancy Leung Wai-yee.
The virus is transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood.
"The hepatitis B vaccination program for newborn infants in the mainland leaves a lot to be desired," said Leung, who is also honorary medical consultant of the Hong Kong Family Planning Association's hepatitis B assessment clinic.
"As a result, the World Health Organization has repeatedly revised and set new targets for them."
In response to questions filed by The Standard, a Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Hepatitis B vaccine coverage was found to be good for children originally from the mainland, as revealed in serial department surveys."
"The department has been providing voluntary testing and screening for antenatal patients, TB sufferers, drug users, and HIV/AIDS patients," the spokeswoman added.
The department said it is satisfied with the coverage of the vaccination.
"Coverage of three-dose hepatitis B vaccination in Primary Six students was more than 98 percent in the 2009-10 school year."
About 8 percent of local people are hepatitis B carriers, who stand a one in four chance of developing usually fatal liver cancer or cirrhosis.
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