Hong Kong Enhances Emergency Response Through WHO's Annual Exercise Crystal on Public Health Threats

DH participates in WHO's large-scale Western Pacific Region exercise to enhance emergency preparedness and cross-sectoral collaboration for public health emergencies

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 3), together with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, participated in a large-scale annual table-top exercise, Exercise Crystal, organised by the Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) of the World Health Organization (WHO). The exercise aims to enhance emergency response mechanisms and cross-sectoral collaboration capabilities between Hong Kong, China and neighbouring regions to jointly tackle public health emergencies.

This year, the exercise simulated a scenario on human outbreaks of a novel influenza A infection related to dairy farms, with sustained human-to-human transmissions and further spread to many countries. More than 30 countries and areas in the WPRO region participated in the exercise. During the exercise, the WHO provided information on the scenario to the representatives of the participating countries and areas via videoconferencing and email. Representatives from the DH and other government departments thoroughly discussed the scenario, including the immediate responses, prevention and control measures, and the relevant co-ordination required in Hong Kong, rapidly adjusting the planning according to the evolving scenario. The exercise host of the WPRO concluded the exercise with a debriefing to review the exercise's achievements and explore with participants how to further enhance cross-regional emergency response and collaboration mechanisms.

"Emerging infectious diseases have long posed significant public health threats worldwide. With frequent international population mobility today, emerging respiratory viruses can spread across regions in a short period of time through contact with patients’ secretions or droplets, potentially causing a global pandemic. As a major international transportation hub, Hong Kong faces a significant risk of importation of emerging respiratory infectious diseases. The exercise provided us with a valuable opportunity to strengthen communication and information sharing mechanisms between Hong Kong, China and the WHO WPRO, as well as national focal points of various countries. It also further enhances the cross-departmental collaboration mechanism against emerging respiratory diseases. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) will consolidate the experience gained from this exercise, to opportunely review existing mechanisms in a timely manner, and make more forward-looking arrangements to comprehensively safeguard public health,” the Head of the Communicable Disease Branch, the CHP of the DH, Dr Albert Au, said.

Since 2008, the WPRO has conducted the Exercise Crystal annually to help member countries and regions prevent and respond to cross-regional public health risks affecting population worldwide. Meanwhile, the WPRO maintains close communication with focal points responsible for enforcing the International Health Regulations to ensure that the regions are familiar with the response mechanism to public health emergencies. Being one of the focal points between Hong Kong, China and the WHO, the CHP has actively participated in the exercise for years.

DH participates in WHO's large-scale Western Pacific Region exercise to enhance emergency preparedness and cross-sectoral collaboration for public health emergencies Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

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