Mutual benefits: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says the meeting between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau is instrumental in enhancing health protection work.

Senior health officials from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau met in Hong Kong today to enhance co-operation and information exchanges regarding health issues.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the third joint meeting of senior health officials of the three places, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said the meeting is instrumental in enhancing health protection work.

The meeting reaffirmed the health authorities' resolution and determination in safeguarding public health in a co-ordinated manner.

Dr Chow said with growing globalisation, there are increasing challenges in public health work.

Prevention requires exchanges, cooperation

"The experience in the past two years demonstrates that infectious diseases do not respect boundaries. To control the spread of new emerging infectious diseases hinges on information, technology and experience exchange and co-operation of health authorities in different places," he said.

In the past year, local health authorities have endeavoured to upgrade Hong Kong's ability to monitor and control infectious diseases. 

After the SARS crisis, Hong Kong set up the Centre for Health Protection in accordance with the SARS Expert Committee's recommendations.

Food safety high on agenda

On food safety, Dr Chow said there have been a number of discussions with the relevant Mainland authorities in the past year. 

"Apart from maintaining the existing co-operation, we have also strengthened the already well-established notification mechanism on food safety," he said.

"With better co-operation and speedy exchange of information, we hope to tackle food safety issues at source and to enhance consumer protection."

In addition to strengthening the work on infectious diseases and food safety, Dr Chow said other public health issues also needed to be addressed.

Tobacco control legislation to be enhanced

"Preparations are underway to enhance the legislative framework for tobacco control and to set up a system of nutrition labelling. I believe the three places could share experiences in these work areas," Dr Chow said.

The items for discussion in the two-day joint meeting are: public health and medical regulations; surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases; and food safety and hygiene.