Press Releases

Closer ties between Mainland and HK for control and prevention of infectious diseases

        The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, today (November 5) met the Executive Vice-minister of Health, Mr Gao Qiang, to further strengthen the ties between the two places in controlling and preventing infectious diseases to protect public health.

        During the meeting, both sides conducted constructive discussions on issues of mutual concern such as the prevention and notification of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and avian influenza.

        Dr Chow told Mr Gao he had instructed the relevant Hong Kong departments to step up preventive measures and heighten alertness after the carcass of a wild bird found in Lok Ma Chau had tested positive for H5N1 virus.

        "In view of the emergence of human infection cases of avian influenza in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong is now working on contingency measures in addition to the comprehensive avian influenza surveillance programme. We are now finalising the details of the measures," he said.

        Both sides considered it necessary to heighten alertness in infectious diseases, in particular SARS and avian influenza, having regard to the potential risk of outbreaks from winter to spring. They agreed to further strengthen their exchange and co-operation in responding to and handling of emerging infectious diseases, as well as the notification system and infection control.

        The Ministry of Health had put in place infectious disease preventive measures in provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government for this winter and the coming spring. Emphasis would be placed on the monitoring and surveillance of SARS and avian influenza.

        The two places would continue to enhance information exchange on major infectious diseases to consolidate the collaborative basis through the mechanism of the Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Expert Group on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases.

        Both sides will arrange attachment programmes for training health care professionals in infectious diseases to enhance the expertise in the investigation and control of infectious diseases. It will help raise the capabilities of the two places in handling infectious diseases.

        The courtesy call was made upon the invitation of the Ministry of Health. It was Dr Chow's first official visit to Beijing after assuming the post of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food. Accompanying Dr Chow were the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau; and the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan.

        Joining Mr Gao in the meeting were the people in charge of departments under the Ministry of Health.

Ends/Friday, November 5, 2004

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