Hepatitis B, 1997 and the Chinese community--an appraisal of their relationships

In 1997, Hong Kong's sovereignty will go back to China. The United Kingdom has granted 50,000 families the right of abode to settle here. It is estimated that these 50,000 families will consist of approximately 225,000 people in all. Hepatitis B virus infection is extremely common in Hong Kong-50 per cent of the local population have been infected by the virus. Should the Department of Health consider implementing and introducing a screening and immunization programme? What is the current level of understanding about the virus among the Chinese community and health care professionals in the United Kingdom? Findings from a health promotion project have revealed that there is a gap in health care professionals' and patients' understanding of the issue. There is a need to raise awareness, to provide more information for health care professionals and patients, and to give serious consideration to a screening and vaccination programme.