Expertise exchange: Two Guangdong Centre for Disease Control staff (standing) work with their Hong Kong counterparts in the Centre for Health Protection Bacteriology Laboratory.

A team of 10 medical and healthcare professionals from the Guangdong Centre for Disease Control & Prevention has completed a three-week professional attachment in Hong Kong.

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Pak-yin said the programme is the first organised under an agreement among Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong.

"We hope that through mutual visits, training and information exchange, medical and healthcare professionals of the three places can enhance their expertise and experience. They can also familiarise themselves with the operations of their counterparts to better protect public health in the region," Dr Leung said.

Led by Institute of Epidemic Disease Prevention deputy director Dr Zheng Huizhen, the team worked in different units to gain a better understanding of their work and shared their experiences with the local professionals during their stay from April 6 to 28.

The units included the centre's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, the Surveillance & Epidemiology Branch, Infection Control Branch, as well as the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department's Pest Control Advisory Section.

They participated in training activities and saw the work and management of laboratories, including those on vector borne diseases, AIDS and virology.

During the three-week programme, they were also briefed on the mode of operation and methodology of epidemiology investigations, the surveillance system and contingency plans on communicable diseases, and the immunisation programme and its implementation.

The delegation gained first-hand knowledge of the investigations and management of food poisoning cases. Arrangements were also made for them to visit Princess Margaret Hospital for a better understanding of the clinical management of infectious diseases and infection control measures.