Health authorities agree on infection control plan

The health authorities of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau have agreed on a plan to tackle the spread of infections.

In a meeting which took place in September 2011, the three health authorities agreed to work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and improve control measures against scarlet fever and measles.

During the meeting, they discussed ways in which improvements could be made to the emergency response system.  It was agreed that the health authorities will continue to enhance the “early alert mechanism” for communicable diseases and continue to operate the standard process to control measles, in an attempt to eliminate the disease.

In addition, they discussed:

• Measures to be taken to maintain polio-free status and promote further exchanges on joint response plans.
• Exchanges and co-operation on laboratory surveillance of infectious diseases, epidemiology and public health measures on scarlet fever, as well as surveillance of anti-microbial resistance will be strengthened.
• How they can encourage co-operation on training of public health personnel, including experience and resource sharing.

They also pledged to hold regular meetings to update each other on their progress for meeting their targets. It was agreed that the Guangdong Department of Health will organise the next meeting.