Mutual benefits: Minister of Health Dr Chen Zhu (left) and Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow exchange souvenirs.

Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau health authorities have agreed to boost cooperation aimed at protecting public health in the three places, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says.

At the sixth joint meeting of senior health officials from the three places held in Hong Kong today, Dr Chow said meetings in recent years have consolidated the three-way infectious-diseases notification system. 

All three places have joined together to strengthen the preparedness for infectious-disease outbreaks, improving the effectiveness of health-protection efforts, he said.

Dr Chow has also proposed the three places focus on cooperation in the prevention and control of influenza pandemics, and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Emergency drill

He said the three places will conduct a drill in December to enhance the emergency responsiveness and preparedness for human-to-human transmission of avian flu virus.

The drill will test the three-way emergency response and notification system for managing public-health incidents.

The three places will also set up an expert group on prevention and control of influenza pandemics.

Issues discussed today included surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases; tobacco control; health promotion and education; development of healthcare services; and implementation of a memorandum of understanding on health and medical co-operation.

The Mainland and Macau delegations were led by Minister of Health Dr Chen Zhu led the Mainland delegation, while Macau's Secretary for Social Affairs & Culture Dr Chui Sai-on led the one from his city.