The Hong Kong International Conference on Infectious Diseases (HKICID) 2004 opened here Saturday, gathering experts worldwide to exchange views on infectious diseases.

Since there has been resurgence of infectious diseases in many countries in recent years, international efforts and collaboration in surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases became critical in addressing global public health problems.

The HKICID 2004 here provides an international forum for scientists, microbiologists, epidemiologists, clinicians, policy makers as well as other infectious diseases enthusiasts from all over the world to gather together and exchange views and ideas on the latest development in important aspects of infectious diseases. 

In his opening address, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Yeoh Eng-kiong mentioned that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak last year has made Hong Kong's mechanism of preventing and controlling infectious disease largely reinforced.

He said that the occurrence of SARS has led Hong Kong to have strengthened its preparedness and has stepped up the disease surveillance. The government has enhanced the infectious disease notification within Hong Kong and with the Guangdong Province and Macao.

Yeoh also talked about the future plan for handling infectious disease. He said that, in order to further strengthen Hong Kong's long term capability to prevent and control infectious disease, the government is pressing ahead with the establishment of a Center for Health Protection in 2005.

(Shanghai Daily January 31, 2004)