Tag Archives: China

     A total of 154 additional cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection were reported to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) in the second quarter of 2018, bringing the cumulative total of reported HIV infections to 9 387 since 1984.
 
     Reviewing the latest HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) situation in Hong Kong at a press conference today (August 28), the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the CHP, Dr Kenny Chan, said that sexual transmission remained the major mode of HIV transmission.
 
     “HIV is the cause of AIDS and, without treatment, about half of those with HIV will progress to AIDS within 10 years. On the contrary, early HIV treatment prevents AIDS and significantly prolongs survival,” he said, urging HIV-positive people to seek specialist care as soon as possible.
 
     Dr Chan also stressed the importance of proper use of condoms in reducing the risk of contracting HIV. Men who have sex with men (MSM), who dominate the epidemic, are strongly urged to use a condom for safer sex.
 
     Of the 154 HIV cases, 127 males and 27 females, reported in the above quarter, 77 acquired the infection via homosexual or bisexual contact, 38 via heterosexual contact. The routes of transmission of the remaining 39 cases have yet to be determined due to inadequate information.
 
     The new cases were reported by three major sources: public hospitals and clinics (65 cases), the DH’s Social Hygiene Clinics (28 cases) and AIDS service organisations (21 cases). Among them, 105 (69 per cent) have already received HIV specialist services at the DH or the Hospital Authority.
 
     In addition, 40 new cases of AIDS were reported in the above quarter, bringing the total number of reported AIDS cases to 1 925 since 1985. Among the new cases, 55 per cent were attributed to homosexual or bisexual contact and 43 per cent were related to heterosexual contact.
 
     In the above quarter, the most common AIDS-defining illness was Pneumocystis pneumonia, a kind of chest infection.
 
     “Members of the public, particularly high-risk groups, should use the condom consistently and properly. Those with a history of unsafe sex should take an HIV antibody test early. People who inject drugs should avoid sharing needles with others and receive methadone treatment or other appropriate treatments as soon as possible,” Dr Chan said.
 
     The public can call the DH’s AIDS Hotline (2780 2211) for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody test. The public may visit the DH’s Virtual AIDS Office (www.aids.gov.hk), the Red Ribbon Centre (www.rrc.gov.hk), the AIDS Hotline website (www.27802211.com), the Gay Men HIV Information website (www.21171069.com) and the Harm Reduction website (www.harmreduction.gov.hk) for more information on HIV/AIDS.

  

     The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, visited Yau Tsim Mong District today (August 28) to learn more about the kindergarten learning activities for non-Chinese speaking (NCS) children and a local historic building revitalisation project. He also exchanged views with local District Council members.
 
     Accompanied by the Yau Tsim Mong District Council (YTMDC) Chairman, Mr Chris Ip; the YTMDC Vice Chairlady, Ms Wong Shu-ming; and the District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong), Mrs Laura Aron, Mr Yeung first went to Lui Seng Chun at Lai Chi Kok Road, Mong Kok. Among the first batch of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme launched in 2008, the Grade I historic building was turned into a Chinese medical healthcare centre. Mr Yeung was briefed by representatives of the Hong Kong Baptist University on the project and viewed the architectural features of the historic building as well as its Chinese medicine clinic and dispensary.
 
     Afterwards, Mr Yeung called on the YTMDC to exchange views with members on education and other district issues.
 
     Mr Yeung then visited Western Pacific Kindergarten at Waterloo Road, Yau Ma Tei. At the kindergarten, in which over 90 per cent of students come from NCS families, Mr Yeung listened to an introduction on the support for NCS children by the school management and the views on education services shared by parents. He also viewed learning activities for the students.
 
     Under the quality kindergarten education policy, the Education Bureau has stepped up professional development programmes for teachers and school-based professional support to enhance the services for NCS students in kindergartens. In addition, kindergartens admitting eight or more NCS students can have additional funding for implementing related support measures, such as employing additional teachers.
 
     The kindergarten has arranged two teachers for each class in which an ethnic minority English teacher and a local Chinese teacher work together to enhance students’ Chinese and English proficiency through bilingual teaching. “Situated learning” is also adopted to help children learn about and integrate into community life in a joyful atmosphere. During the visit, Mr Yeung was invited to join a bus ride game and share the fun of experiential learning by playing the role of a bus driver to pick up student passengers for a bus journey.
 
     The kindergarten and the parents have established effective communication channels through organising parents’ days and activities such as picnics, a reading scheme and a mini sports day for parents and children as well as seminars and workshops to improve mutual understanding and co-operation.
 
     Mr Yeung thanked the kindergarten for providing holistic support for NCS children. He said that the Government has earmarked $500 million in the 2018-19 Budget for strengthening the support services for ethnic minorities. This includes enhancing support for NCS students in learning Chinese language as well as employment and training opportunities, with a view to helping them integrate into the community and realise their potential.
 

        

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session in Beijing today (August 28) :   Reporter: Minister, concerning the issue of the Hong Kong National Party, was it… read more

     The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) of the Trade and Industry Department will hold a seminar entitled "Utilising Government Funding: Riding Trends and Seizing Market Opportunities" on September 14 (… read more

     The New Vision Arts Festival will be held from October 19 to November 18, featuring pioneering shows by overseas and local performing groups. An early bird discount of 30 per cent off all full-price tickets for selected programmes will end on September 5. Members of the public should act fast to enjoy the best discount.
 
     The selected programmes are:
 
* Opening programme “Tree of Codes”
* Underwater concert “AquaSonic”
* Tan Dun’s new work “Buddha Passion”
* Dance theatre show “Swan Lake/Loch na hEala”
* Composer Du Yun’s Pulitzer Prize for Music-winning “Angel’s Bone”
* Director Thomas Richards’ immersive theatre work “The Living Room”
* Thomas Richards’ “The Underground: A Response to Dostoevsky”
* Cross-cultural dialogue between Thai royal Khon dance and street hip-pop in “Negotiation”
* Local artist Daniel Yeung’s experimental multimedia lion dance theatre work “Guan Yu’s Ride of 1,000 Miles”
* Internationally renowned British lighting designer Michael Hulls’ “LightSpace”
 
     Tickets are available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999.
 
     The New Vision Arts Festival is organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk.