Press Releases
Government accords top priority in preparedness for influenza pandemic
The Government has and will continue to accord top priority in preparedness for
influenza pandemic, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow,
said today (November 5) in the Legislative Council.
Briefing a joint panel meeting of the Panel on Health Services and the Panel on
Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene, Dr Chow said the Government has invested
heavily in the public health hardware and software to prepare ourselves for
possible influenza pandemic outbreaks.
He noted that we have invested more than $3 billion to enhance Hong Kong's
preparedness against emerging infectious diseases, including avian influenza
induced influenza pandemic.
For example, some of these investment included the provision of an infectious
disease block in Princess Margaret Hospital ($538 million), 1,415 isolation beds
in 14 major acute hospitals ($539 million), setting up of the Centre for Health
Protection (additional resources of over $400 million including donations from
Hong Kong Jockey Club), antiviral stockpiling ($306 million) and additional
resources for Hospital Authority to step up infectious diseases control ($550m).
Dr Chow said, "The Inter-departmental Action Coordination Committee, which is
chaired by my permanent secretary, have been meeting regularly and we have
stepped up our public education and publicity to provide relevant information
for the public on health protection and disease prevention.
"I can assure Members that we are much better prepared to face the challenge,"
he said.
"Our policy objective is to closely monitor the seasonal influenza situation by
surveillance and maintain vigilance of our healthcare professionals, to prevent
outbreak of avian influenza in birds and live poultry in Hong Kong and to
minimise contact between human and live poultry to prevent human infection; and
to stay alert for any emergent signs of a global pandemic and to put in place a
preparedness plan for early detection, containment, treatment and control of
outbreak," he explained.
Dr Chow noted that one of the measures to minimise the chance of an outbreak of
avian influenza was to significantly reduce the number of live poultry in Hong
Kong.
"Our experts have advised us that the presence of live poultry in our wet
markets is a potential threat and regional slaughtering is an effective way to
reduce the risk.
"Our consultants have recently completed their study for the setting up of a
regional slaughtering hub in Hong Kong and we are actively and preparing for the
establishment of such a hub," he said.
Turning to Hong Kong's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic which was
published in January 2005, Dr Chow said: "We are one of the first places in the
world to develop such a preparedness plan taking reference to the WHO's Global
Influenza Preparedness Plan."
The plan envisages a three-tied Emergency Response Level (Alert, Serious and
Emergency) with corresponding lines of command and response measures to cater
for different possible outbreak scenarios.
There are four strategic directions in terms of preparedness to safeguard health
of the community:
* To reduce risk of human infections through the reduction of infection risk
from animals; publicity and public education activities; preparedness in the
healthcare setting; influenza vaccination and enhanced laboratory support.
* Early detection and containment of pandemic influenza.
* Enhanced emergency preparedness and response for pandemic influenza through
exercises and drills; antiviral stockpiling; enhanced surge capacity and
population-based cross sectoral approach in gearing up the public and private
sectors for protection and prevention.
* Foster collaboration with the Mainland and international health authorities.
At the joint panel meeting, the administration also presented the "Action
Checklist on Emergency Preparedness for Influenza Pandemic in Hong Kong" which
details cross-agency efforts in preparedness.
Dr Chow also explained the differences between seasonal influenza, avian
influenza and influenza pandemic. Seasonal influenza is NOT the same as avian
influenza, he said.
"If one has not come into close contact with infected live poultry or birds or
their droppings, there is no need to be overly alarmed of acquiring avian flu.
"The WHO has advised that there is no influenza pandemic anywhere in the world
at this stage.
"Nonetheless, we need to remain vigilant. Preparedness is not the responsibility
of Government alone.
"To be effective, members of the community need to maintain a healthy life style
and ensure cleanliness of their living environment. A balanced diet and a
regular dose of exercise would help to build up one's immunity system," Dr Chow
added.
Ends/Saturday, November 5, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:50
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