Press Releases

Steering committee to co-ordinate community's anti-mosquito efforts

A steering committee comprising senior officials from relevant policy bureaux and departments will be set up to set directions for comprehensive, territory-wide anti-mosquito efforts.

Making the announcement today (October 5), the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, said there was a need for the setting up of the steering committee because as long as the disease was found in our neighbours in Southeast Asia, Macao and Taiwan as well as on the Mainland, the threat of dengue fever would be here to stay.

"From the cases reported so far, dengue fever is likely to become endemic," he said.

Dr Yeoh noted since the onset of the dengue fever, the Government has escalated its territory-wide anti-mosquito campaign led by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and joined by other departments.

The new steering committee will oversee the policy, strategies and directions of the territory-wide campaign and the implementation work of the Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on Dengue Fever.

"The steering committee will map out our comprehensive strategy on anti-mosquito operation, preventive measures and publicity to maintain public alertness to this highly infectious disease to ensure that the Government's work is proactive and responsive.

"It also seeks to increase the involvement of the community and the private sector in anti-mosquito work," he said.

The steering committee would be vested with the responsibility to set out timetable and work targets that each of the relevant bureaux and departments should achieve, Dr Yeoh added.

The steering committee will be chaired by Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, while senior officials will be enlisted from various bureaux and departments as members.

It will hold its first meeting next week.

Noting that the fight against mosquitoes needed the fullest support of the community, Dr Yeoh called on the private sector and all members of the public to play an active role in the prevention of mosquito problem as well as disseminating the anti-mosquito message "Let's remove stagnant water - Eliminate mosquitoes for a healthy living."

Dr Yeoh extended his appreciation to the support of District Councils, public transport operators, utilities companies, schools, hospitals, construction companies and management of public and private buildings for taking the initiatives to help guard against mosquito breeding and disseminate anti-mosquito message.

Membership of the Anti-mosquito Steering Committee

Chairman
Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food

Members#
Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Transport & Works)*
Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs*
Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower (Education)*
Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene*
Director of Health*
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation*
Director of Housing*
Director of Lands*
Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food (Food and Environment Hygiene)
Director of Leisure and Cultural Services

Secretary
Principal Assistant Secretary (Food and Environmental Hygiene) 2

* or a representative at deputy director/deputy secretary level
# other bureaux and government agencies will be co-opted on a need basis

Saturday, October 5, 2002