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Hong Kong: Speech by CE at 60th Session of WHO Regional Committee opening ceremony (English only) (with photos/video) (9/21/09, edited)

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  • Hong Kong: Speech by CE at 60th Session of WHO Regional Committee opening ceremony (English only) (with photos/video) (9/21/09, edited)

    Hong Kong: Speech by CE at 60th Session of WHO Regional Committee opening ceremony (English only) (with photos/video) (9/21/09, edited)

    The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the opening ceremony of the 60th Session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific at Hong Kong Academy of Medicine this morning (September 21):

    ''Dr Margaret Chan, Dr Shin [Young-soo], Minister Chen [Zhu], Minister [Francisco] Duque, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

    ''It is an honour for us to host the 60th session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. A warm welcome to all of you, especially to those who have travelled long distances to come here. The WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific is an important platform for health ministers and experts throughout the region. This year's Session is particularly significant. It was only about six months ago that a young boy in Mexico complained of feeling unwell with flu symptoms. He became the first confirmed case of H1N1 swine flu. The boy has since recovered. In a very short time, though, the virus spread to virtually every corner of the globe.

    ''The infection and fatality rates continue to rise. We are grateful to the WHO for its swift response in raising its alert levels and promoting awareness about the virus. In Hong Kong, the Emergency Response Level has been in place since May 1. We have taken every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and in some cases we have even been accused of over-reacting.

    ''Following our relatively recent experiences with Avian Influenza and SARS, the government has not, and will not take any chances. At the outset, we have adopted a totally transparent policy. We reported every confirmed case of H1N1. We explained to the public the evolving changes in our treatment protocol. And at the same time, we have spread to every schools, every institutions how the disease, how the virus can be prevented and slowed down its spread. So far, we have convinced the population that we are on top of the problem and there have been no panic in the community with confidence has been regained. We have safely declared it is a safe city.

    ''But we are alert, we will never be complacent. We look forward to working with the WHO and our neighbours in the region in overcoming the pandemic. Given our experiences with Avian Influenza and SARS, I believe - and no doubt our former Health Director Dr Margaret Chan will agree - that Hong Kong has a great deal to offer in the fight against H1N1 influenza. At the same time, there are a number of other key health issues to deal with. These include health care financing and reform to cope with an ageing population. There are also new technologies to consider as well as rising health costs and the impact of the global financial crisis on our economy's ability to sustain a first rate public health regime. This is a problem we confront in every developed nations and territories.

    ''This session provides a valuable platform to exchange information and ideas on health issues of common concern.It can also serve to encourage collaboration among national public health authorities in the promotion of better health policies and practices.

    ''With an increasingly globalised world, regional and international cooperation in public health administrations remains the most essential weapon against the spread of infectious diseases across countries.

    ''Ladies and gentlemen, the last time Hong Kong hosted a Session of this Regional Committee was back in 1992.

    ''We are delighted to welcome you back here this year. I wish all the delegates and participants a successful meeting and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much.''
    -

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