High praise for Hong Kong's anti-SARS work

International health expert Sir Cyril Chantler has praised Hong Kong's work in fighting SARS, both locally and overseas.

Sir Cyril, Co-chairman of the Monitoring Committee on Implementation of the SARS Expert Committee Report's Recommendations, said today (October 5) Hong Kong was a safe place to visit thanks to the dedication of health authorities and the Government in strengthening the city against infectious diseases.

He said the Government's commitment to building infrastructure and manpower training to form the first line of defence for public health was impressive.

"Hong Kong has made good progress in preparing itself against communicable diseases. I am particularly pleased to see that the Centre for Health Protection has got off to a very good start and is set to become a public icon for health protection," Sir Cyril said.

"Hong Kong is the gateway to the world, and building up a strong line of defence against communicable diseases here will help the global community guard against the possible spread of communicable diseases from the region."

From next year, the Centre for Health Protection, in consultation with its Scientific Committees, will develop thematic priorities for research on infectious disease and report to the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau Research Council.

The council was formed to encourage and support research on establishing thematic priorities, fostering collaborative partnerships, enhancing capacity building and pursuing excellence and innovation.

Sir Cyril said he was pleased that $30 million had been earmarked for the centre to undertake research in collaboration with other universities. Scientific research would help develop the right strategy to tackle disease in an anticipatory manner.

Ends/Tuesday, October 5, 2004