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Why does the Hong Kong Media need to focus on thalassaemia?
8.5% of the local public are carriers of thalassaemia. Some Hong Kong people may have heard about thalassaemia but only a small minority, understand the condition and even less on how it is passed on. In Cyprus, the carrier rate is 20% and yet in the past ten years there have been no children born with thalassaemia unless parents have made that choice. In contrast in Hong Kong in the last 10 years forty eight children have been born with Thalassaemia Major locally and in addition 14 have immigrated to Hong Kong from Mainland China (data from HA surveillance programme on thalassaemia). In most cases in Hong Kong parents were not aware of the condition and/or were not properly counselled at the prenatal stage. The news that their baby has Thalassaemia Major comes as a total shock & devastation to the parents. There is little INFORMED CHOICE available for prevention to the individuals and couples who are planning a family. (A report conducted by the Queen Mary Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital offers data on the number of births in the two hospitals, reasons for the births and recommendations will be distributed at the press conference.)
8th May 2001 is International Thalassaemia Day, a time for worldwide heightening of Thalassaemia awareness and support for optimal treatment and quality of life for all thalassaemics. It is also International Red Cross Day. This is the time for the Hong Kong media to join forces with the Children's Thalassaemia Foundation, the University of Hong Kong, Family Planning Association & The Hong Kong Red Cross to raise the awareness of members of the public in particular adults, planning to have a child, the community leaders and the health care workers in order that they appreciate that they and others are at risk; they understand the condition is serious and they understand that they can prevent the condition if they get tested for it. By raising the community awareness it is hoped that members of the community get tested to see if they are Carriers and thus have an INFORMED CHOICE for prevention at a preconception stage. It is also the time for a blood drive when members of the public are encouraged to donate blood.
The Children's Thalassaemia Foundation has compiled a list of venues where members of the public can get screened for thalassaemia. We will also provide you with detailed information about the various tests available at different stages to determine whether a person is a carrier & in the case of mothers-to-be- whether the foetus is affected with Thalassaemia Major. Professor Y.L.Lau, Head of Paediatrics of The University of Hong Kong will offer information on student awareness and The Thalassaemia Education Programme amongst secondary school students.
We have at hand for interview at the press conference:
Professor C.Y. Yeung, Chairman of The Children's Thalassaemia Foundation,
Dr. Susan Fan, Executive Director of the Family Planning Association,
Dr. C. K. Lin, Hospital Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service,
Dr. Mary Tang, Chief of Service, Tsan Yuk Hospital, and
Mr. Andy Hui, Singer.
children suffering from thalassaemia
children cured of thalassaemia by bone marrow & cord blood transplants
clinicians & counsellors treating thalassaemia patients
It is the civic responsibility of the media to promote this message. Thalassaemia Major can have a devastating impact- all you need is a simple blood test!
8th May 2001 is International Thalassaemia Day
03 May 2001
Members of the Media are invited to a press conference on Monday 7th May 2001 at 2.30 p.m. at the Doctors' Common Room, second floor, K Block, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Why does the Hong Kong Media need to focus on thalassaemia?
8.5% of the local public are carriers of thalassaemia. Some Hong Kong people may have heard about thalassaemia but only a small minority, understand the condition and even less on how it is passed on. In Cyprus, the carrier rate is 20% and yet in the past ten years there have been no children born with thalassaemia unless parents have made that choice. In contrast in Hong Kong in the last 10 years forty eight children have been born with Thalassaemia Major locally and in addition 14 have immigrated to Hong Kong from Mainland China (data from HA surveillance programme on thalassaemia). In most cases in Hong Kong parents were not aware of the condition and/or were not properly counselled at the prenatal stage. The news that their baby has Thalassaemia Major comes as a total shock & devastation to the parents. There is little INFORMED CHOICE available for prevention to the individuals and couples who are planning a family. (A report conducted by the Queen Mary Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital offers data on the number of births in the two hospitals, reasons for the births and recommendations will be distributed at the press conference.)
8th May 2001 is International Thalassaemia Day, a time for worldwide heightening of Thalassaemia awareness and support for optimal treatment and quality of life for all thalassaemics. It is also International Red Cross Day. This is the time for the Hong Kong media to join forces with the Children's Thalassaemia Foundation, the University of Hong Kong, Family Planning Association & The Hong Kong Red Cross to raise the awareness of members of the public in particular adults, planning to have a child, the community leaders and the health care workers in order that they appreciate that they and others are at risk; they understand the condition is serious and they understand that they can prevent the condition if they get tested for it. By raising the community awareness it is hoped that members of the community get tested to see if they are Carriers and thus have an INFORMED CHOICE for prevention at a preconception stage. It is also the time for a blood drive when members of the public are encouraged to donate blood.
The Children's Thalassaemia Foundation has compiled a list of venues where members of the public can get screened for thalassaemia. We will also provide you with detailed information about the various tests available at different stages to determine whether a person is a carrier & in the case of mothers-to-be- whether the foetus is affected with Thalassaemia Major. Professor Y.L.Lau, Head of Paediatrics of The University of Hong Kong will offer information on student awareness and The Thalassaemia Education Programme amongst secondary school students.
We have at hand for interview at the press conference:
Professor C.Y. Yeung, Chairman of The Children's Thalassaemia Foundation,
Dr. Susan Fan, Executive Director of the Family Planning Association,
Dr. C. K. Lin, Hospital Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service,
Dr. Mary Tang, Chief of Service, Tsan Yuk Hospital, and
Mr. Andy Hui, Singer.
children suffering from thalassaemia
children cured of thalassaemia by bone marrow & cord blood transplants
clinicians & counsellors treating thalassaemia patients
It is the civic responsibility of the media to promote this message. Thalassaemia Major can have a devastating impact- all you need is a simple blood test!
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