The Centre for Health Protection has a plan in place to counter the coming flu hike during winter and has prepared sufficient vaccine for a large-scale vaccination programme next month, its controller Dr Leung Pak-yin says.

Speaking on a radio programme this morning, Dr Leung said there was a slim chance of an avian flu outbreak in Hong Kong. He warned there was a certain degree of risk as there were suspected cases of man-to-man infection of the virus in neighbouring countries.

He said the centre would closely liaise with the World Health Organisation and authorities of neighbouring countries to get related information, as well as to monitor local flu statistics and the virus transformation situation.

Dr Leung said cross-departmental meetings and public forums would be held in Hong Kong for medical professionals and the general public so as to assess risk and map out a response plan.

Public's contribution vital

He appealed to members of the public not to underestimate their contribution to improving environmental hygiene, adding that refraining from littering and water accumulation as well as frequent hand washing were important practices.

As regards prevention of avian flu, Dr Leung called on the poultry sector to strictly enforce the rest day rule and vaccination requirement. In the long run, he said reduction in contact between humans and poultry was the right direction.

Turning to the Centre for Health Protection, which was established in June 1, Dr Leung said its function of monitoring and control over infectious diseases had been strengthened.

Communications crucial in disease prevention

He said the most crucial part in infectious disease prevention was communication with the public, adding the centre would disseminate information as soon as possible so that people could join with medical personnel to fight against disease.

Dr Leung said the centre, after its inauguration on October 27, would serve as a multi-purpose centre for infectious diseases, in the areas of data collection, communications, reaction and training.

On non-communicable diseases, Dr Leung said the centre would conduct strategic studies and analyses on the four common diseases of cancer, heart problems, diabetes and accident injuries to educate the public to pay attention to their health and early prevention.