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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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