The government will set up a review body to examine child deaths to identify ways to prevent similar tragedies, an official said yesterday.
Establishing such a body was suggested by experts three years ago.
The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau told yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Council's welfare panel that a two-year trial of the body would be set up under the Social Welfare Department.
All cases of children under 18 who died of 'unnatural causes' during the 18 months before the project start date will be examined.
It would start by the end of the year or early next year and examine issues relating to a child's death and identify ways to avoid tragedies.
Freely Cheng Kei, principal assistant secretary for health, welfare and food (family), said the review panel also would identify trends to develop prevention strategies.
'We will find trends and distributions and give suggestions to departments and policy bureaus,' said Mr Cheng, adding the body's performance would be reviewed at the end of the two years.