The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (October 19) led a delegation from the Department of Health (DH) to attend the 77th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Manila, the Philippines. He engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from other countries and regions on major health issues of common concern. They explored practical response strategies and effective ways to strengthen the resilience of health systems.

     During the opening session today, Dr Lam reported on the latest developments and challenges in public health in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

     He said, "The latest progress report announced by the WHO shows that the Western Pacific Region's Universal Health Coverage index has risen significantly, with particularly notable progress in communicable disease prevention and control, demonstrating the powerful force of regional collaboration. The HKSAR is committed to maintaining a resilient public health system, including accessible healthcare services, comprehensive disease prevention and control, surveillance and early warning, and emergency response and preparedness. As a result, the HKSAR has consistently ranked among the world's best in core health indicators, such as life expectancy, and maternal and infant mortality rates. However, like other economies in the region, the HKSAR faces a number of public health challenges, such as the growing burden posed by non-communicable diseases, healthcare workforce, communicable diseases, and climate-related health risks. The HKSAR is actively leveraging digital health tools and artificial intelligence to optimise resource allocation and enhance the efficiency of primary healthcare. We are adopting a 'life-course approach' to ensure that our public health measures protect all people, especially the vulnerable."

     The Chief Executive recently announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address), providing a strategic vision for a bright new era and enhancing livelihood. In terms of healthcare, three key directions are covered, including deepening healthcare system reform, developing Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub with global influence, and playing the role of a healthcare 'superconnector' for the HKSAR to deepen cross-boundary healthcare co-operation, align with national standards and deepen international co-operation.

     Dr Lam added, "The WHO Western Pacific Region's vision of 'Weaving Health for All' closely aligns with the strategic development directions and objectives on healthcare outlined in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address. Hong Kong, China, will continue to collaborate closely with the WHO, leveraging the advantage under 'one country, two systems' to continuously deepen exchanges and co-operation on health with various regions, deeply participate in global health governance, and make positive contributions to improving the health and well-being of people around the world."

     During the meeting, participants will also discuss artificial intelligence, hypertension control, immunisation, tobacco control, as well as regional health essential stockpile and pooled procurement mechanism, among other topics.

     With the continued support of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, the DH has actively integrated into and served the national health development framework, actively supporting the WHO in advancing global health issues and addressing various public health challenges, contributing to global public health. The DH has been designated by the WHO as a Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence and a Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine for over ten consecutive years. The DH also serves as a reference laboratory for various communicable diseases, contributing to global disease surveillance and talent training.

     Dr Lam added that the Microbiology Division of the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the Centre for Health Protection of the DH was appointed by the WHO this year as a "Collaborating Centre on Quality and Capacity Building for the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System", and has successively hosted international expert meetings on WHO's surveillance, response, and prevention and control of global influenza, and on the formulation of the International Herbal Pharmacopoeia, fully demonstrating the HKSAR's important bridging role in the healthcare field and its contribution to improving global health governance. With the support of the Central Government and under the principle of "one country, two systems", the DH will continue to maintain close liaison with the WHO member states and regions on various issues concerning the protection of public health. Through multilateral collaboration and consensus-building, the DH will further enhance and safeguard overall public health in the region.

Ends/Monday, October 19, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:25

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