HK Advisory Council on AIDS endorses and commends DH's one-stop sexual health service for integrated approach to preventing multiple diseases and for addressing sexual minorities' diverse needs
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS:
The Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) held a meeting today (June 23) to receive a briefing from the Department of Health (DH) on the latest developments in global HIV/AIDS strategies, and to discuss ways to further enhance HIV prevention and control measures in Hong Kong. The ACA endorses and commends the one-stop sexual health service provided by the DH for effectively addressing the diverse needs of sexual minorities.
At the meeting, the DH introduced the "The Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2031: United towards ending AIDS" released by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in February this year. The strategy sets the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat globally by 2030, while establishing a sustainable long-term response for addressing HIV/AIDS. The DH noted that the strategic directions are highly aligned with Hong Kong's current HIV prevention and control strategy (Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong 2022-2027) and measures. DH will further study the strategy as a reference for formulating the next recommended HIV/AIDS strategy for Hong Kong, with a view to continuously strengthening local prevention and control efforts.
The DH also briefed the ACA on the comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention services delivered by three programmes at Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre (YMTITC) under Special Preventive Programme, as well as reported on their service scope and effectiveness. The three programmes include the AIDS Counselling and Testing Service, the Therapeutic Prevention Clinic and The Commons. With reference to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, and adopting a people-centric approach, the DH established The Commons at YMTITC in February 2024, to provide one-stop HIV and viral hepatitis screening, sexual health assessment, and testing and treatment for individual sexually transmitted infections. The Commons also proactively identifies individuals with risk behaviours or those in need to offer them counselling services, and works closely with social welfare organisations to maximise disease prevention efforts under the primary healthcare framework.
Having operated for around two years with over 2 000 service attendance, a number which continues to grow, The Commons is well-received and supported by its service users. Over 98 per cent of service users have, through The Commons, developed the habit of undergoing regular assessment and screening of sexually transmitted infections, which helps strengthen early case identification and intervention and enhances overall prevention and control effectiveness.
All ACA members recognised the remarkable results of The Commons in achieving the objective of integrated prevention, screening and care for multiple conditions, which helps to provide more tailored and accessible comprehensive preventive services for individuals at higher risk of infection.
Since its establishment in 1990, the ACA has been keeping in view local and international trends and developments relating to HIV infection and AIDS. It has also played a pivotal role in advising the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on policies relating to the prevention, care and control of HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong. The ACA has published six sets of recommended HIV/AIDS strategies which have served as blueprints for the HIV response in Hong Kong.
HK Advisory Council on AIDS endorses and commends DH's one-stop sexual health service for integrated approach to preventing multiple diseases and for addressing sexual minorities' diverse needs Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by DFS at US Independence Day reception
Following is the speech by the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, at the United States of America (US) Independence Day reception today (June 23):
Consul General Eadeh (Consul General of the US in Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Julie Eadeh), Deputy Commissioner Hua (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Hau You), Assistant Secretary Burke (Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury Mr Jonathan Burke), former Chief Executive Mr Donald Tsang, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to join you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. This year also marks the 183rd anniversary of the United States' diplomatic presence in Hong Kong. So we indeed have a long history of partnership and friendship that is worth celebrating and nurturing.
I would also like to pay tribute to the longstanding and growing ties between the peoples of the United States and Hong Kong. Apart from our strong bilateral business and trade relations, there have always been deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people connections between us.
Hong Kong is home to around 80 000 US citizens. Last year, the number of American companies in Hong Kong increased from nearly 1 400 to 1 550, reflecting a year-on-year increase of over 11 per cent. Also last year, Invest Hong Kong, which is the business promotion arm of our Government, assisted over 40 US enterprises to establish or expand their operations in Hong Kong. It is noteworthy in the arena of trade that the United State has consistently enjoyed a significant trade surplus with Hong Kong - over US$250 billion in total in the last 10 years. So Consul General, I think that is good news to you. And I understand that this is actually one of the highest among the trading partners of the United States.
Another development in trade that is noteworthy is that Hong Kong's exports of goods to the United States have continued to enjoy very substantial growth despite geopolitics and headwinds. It grew by 80 per cent year on year this March. This April, it grew by another 37 per cent. When I mentioned these figures at a recent gathering hosted by a leading American financial institution in Hong Kong, some members in the audience were surprised. And I said to them that the very healthy growth in our bilateral trade is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of businesses and enterprises both in Hong Kong and in the United States. Somehow, in an environment of considerable uncertainty, they are able to grasp new business opportunities and forge new partnerships. And what they do bring benefits not only to the business communities of the two places but to the peoples of the two economies. I salute them for their wonderful work and contributions.
On the global stage, Hong Kong's strengths as a vibrant and open economy and an international financial centre are increasingly recognised by all major players. The Global Wealth Report 2026, published this May, ranked Hong Kong as the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. The World Competitiveness Yearbook this year ranked Hong Kong as the second economy in the world in terms of our competitiveness.
These very positive international assessments are echoed by the business community in Hong Kong. The latest Business Sentiment Survey conducted by AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong) released this February reflected a substantive improvement in sentiment. Eighty-six per cent of respondents viewed Hong Kong as highly competitive or competitive as an international business hub, up from 75 per cent last year. So last year was good but this year was even better. Also, an overwhelming 92 per cent of the respondents planned to maintain their regional headquarters in Hong Kong for the next three years. And they cited efficiency, stability and the very safe business environment in Hong Kong as reasons to continue to base their regional operations in this lovely city.
The Consul General mentioned the visit to China by the President of the United States early in May. It was historic. It was a landmark. The two leaders expressed support for a constructive relationship of strategic stability. And they reached important understanding on keeping economic and trade ties stable, on expanding practical co-operation in different fields, and on properly addressing each other's concerns. We believe that the certainty and stability that follow their meeting are beneficial not just to Hong Kong, but to the entire world.
Ladies and gentlemen, the longstanding ties between the United States and Hong Kong are the result of years of hard work and goodwill by the peoples of the two economies. These ties have been built on a foundation of mutual respect and constructive dialogue. We look forward to their continued growth and positive developments in the years to come.
Thank you very much.
Source: AI-found images
