Secretary for Health attends WHO Western Pacific regional meeting (with photos)

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The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, attended the meeting of the 73rd session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific yesterday (October 24) and today (October 25), via video conferencing. The meeting focuses on the work by members of the Regional Committee, regional co-operation, and other health-related issues including mental health, primary healthcare, and the health of future generations.

Professor Lo today attended the panel discussion on communication for health at which panelists shared their communication strategies in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting healthy living and encouraging vaccination.

     "The panel discussion offered valuable insight into the important role public communication and information sharing played in the fight against COVID-19," he said.

"Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has ensured maximum transparency to provide all sectors in society with the latest and most accurate epidemic-related information. We organise regular press conferences, which are broadcast live on TV and online and with simultaneous interpretation and sign language, to provide updates on the epidemic situation. Daily press releases and social media posts are issued to keep members of the public abreast of the latest epidemic situation, testing requirements and anti-COVID-19 measures. We also run a number of online platforms, including interactive map dashboards that visualise important information through user-friendly interfaces and interactive features.

     "Meanwhile, inaccurate and misleading information puts health and lives at risk, and undermines public trust in science, healthcare institutions and healthcare systems. As such, we spare no efforts in clearing the air by making prompt clarifications and rebuttals when necessary, especially in areas like vaccination and early treatment for the elderly and young children."

     Professor Lo also agrees that sharing of information is an important aspect of communication, noting that the HKSAR Government has made special arrangements for Hong Kong residents residing in Mainland China, with their consent, for passing their electronic medical records across the boundary - to the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital - for healthcare purposes amid the epidemic.

     "This is another successful example of healthcare collaborations between Mainland and Hong Kong in the Greater Bay Area during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed in maintaining close integration with Mainland China, as well as collaboration and communications with the WHO and the Regional Committee, in combating the pandemic," Professor Lo added.

The Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, are also members of the delegation of Hong Kong, China.

Ends/Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:22

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The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau (first right), attended the meeting of the 73rd session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific yesterday (October 24) via video conferencing. The Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan (second right); the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam (second left); and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui (first left), are also members of the delegation of Hong Kong, China.

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau (top row, second left); the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam (second row down, second right); and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui (top row, first right), are pictured at the meeting of the 73rd session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific held yesterday (October 24) via video conferencing.

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, joined a panel discussion at the meeting of the 73rd session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific today (October 25) via video conferencing.