Tuberculosis is still a serious infectious disease in Hong Kong and other parts of the world and there should be no let-up in the fight against it, Director of Health Dr Lam Ping-yan says.

At a ceremony marking World TB Day, Dr Lam quoted the World Health Organisation as saying that about a billion people will be infected from 2002 to 2020 if control of the disease is not further strengthened.

Noting the notification rate of TB in Hong Kong over the years has improved, Dr Lam said the figure is still high compared with Western countries.

"Each year, there are about 6,000 to 7,000 notified cases in Hong Kong, with a rate of about 100 cases per 100,000 population. The rate in 2002 and 2003 were 97.3 and 89.2 cases per 100,000 population, respectively," he said, adding collaboration of all sectors of the community is essential to eliminate the disease.

Hong Kong is classified by the WHO as being among the Western Pacific areas having an "intermediate TB burden with good health infrastructure".

Build up body resistance to prevent TB

To prevent TB, people should build up their bodily resistance by getting adequate rest and exercise and adhering to a balanced diet.

Parents should ensure their children receive the BCG vaccination for protection against TB.

For more information call 2572 6024 or visit the TB website or the WHO website.