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Hong Kong, Guangdong Province Strengthen Disease-Prevention Cooperation

Posted on: Thursday, 3 November 2005, 09:01 CST

Text of press release carried by Hong Kong government website on 3 November

Hong Kong and Guangdong Province public health authorities today (3 November) agreed to strengthen cooperation in emergency response following a two-day visit to Hong Kong by a delegation from the Health Department of Guangdong Province.

The 18-member delegation, comprising representatives from the Emergency Response Office of the Health Department of Guangdong Province, met representatives of the Hong Kong Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Hospital Authority during the visit.

The visit was aimed at improving the delegation's understanding of the mechanism and operation of the local emergency response system as well as its development plan in responding to public health emergencies.

The delegation learned about the ability and experience of local public health emergency response personnel and the deployment of resources.

In view of the avian influenza cases reported recently worldwide, the delegation and its local counterparts held a meeting on the prevention and control of avian influenza and influenza pandemic in Hong Kong and Guangdong.

The two sides discussed the latest situation regarding the spread of avian influenza as well as the possible impacts brought by migratory birds on the two places.

Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing and controlling avian influenza and influenza pandemic, they agreed to further cooperation and interflow activities in public health emergency response. They noted that experience sharing in emergency response and laboratory techniques was of great importance.

Reviewing the achievements made through cooperation in controlling and preventing acute infectious diseases, the two sides reaffirmed the joint efforts and accomplishments made through timely notification.

In addition, the delegation visited to the CHP, its "infection control simulation ward" and the Public Health Laboratory Centre, to understand their daily operation.

They also went to Princess Margaret Hospital under the Hospital Authority to understand the infectious disease prevention and control facilities in a local hospital.

Attending today's meeting included the director of Emergency Response Office, Health Department of Guangdong Province, Mr Yueqi Wu; director of Foreign Affairs Office, Health Department of Guangdong Province, Mr Shaomin Feng; vice-director of General Office, Health Department of Guangdong Province, Mr Yuanhong Gan; acting controller of the CHP, Dr Regina Ching; and head of CHP's Emergency Response and Information Branch, Miss Helen Tang.

During the past year, experts from Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong health authorities had convened a series of thematic working meetings to strengthen the emergency response capacity of public health authorities. After these meetings, consensus was reached in the following areas:

(1) Enhance cooperation on surveillance

Based on the present notification system on infectious diseases, the two sides will report to each other in a timely manner. Cooperation will be stepped up on the surveillance of influenza, avian influenza, SARS [severe acute respiratory syndrome], other emerging infectious diseases and syndromic conditions.

(2) Setting up of pre-warning mechanism

The two sides agreed to step up efforts in estimating the impact and development of important public health issues, such as selected major infectious diseases, so that an early warning can be issued.

(3) Collaboration in disease control and prevention

In case a public health emergency occurs in both places, or when there is an incident occurring on either side which may affect the other party, the two sides will make joint efforts to implement emergency response measures. Relevant information will be exchanged in a timely manner. They can also invite professionals from the other side to take part in investigation and share experiences.

(4) Sharing of technological resources

The two parties agreed to make use of and share the information relating to infectious diseases and public health emergency from all relevant sources in an effective way. They can also invite the other side to observe their emergency response exercise with an aim to share experience.

Source: BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific

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