BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ministry of Health has begun a
year-long nationwide survey of the hepatitis B situation, in order to update
data and guidelines on prevention and control of the disease.
The survey, to run from September 2006 to September 2007, involves
collecting blood serum samples from 79,000 residents age done to 59, conducting
lab tests, filing archives and making reports for future control plans.
The Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control will be responsible
for the survey plans and send experts to inspect and train local staff.
The Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control will take part
in the survey as well, according to the ministry on Friday.
It is estimated that China has about 100 million people living with
hepatitis B and about 20 million chronic hepatitis B patients. Each year in
China about 280,000 people die of cirrhosisor liver cancer linked to hepatitis
B.
The ministry on August 30 initiated a campaign to raise public awareness of
the disease. Enditem
