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China to survey hepatitis B infection

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-09-16 14:26

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 aged one 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 cirrhosis or liver cancer linked to hepatitis B.

The ministry on August 30 initiated a campaign to raise public awareness of the disease.