On the morning of June 14, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Rotary International Convention. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taipei is hosting this convention for the first time in 32 years, and that the event affirms that the international community sees Taiwan as an enduring force for humanitarian care, public welfare, and world peace. He noted that Taiwan’s 12 Rotary districts and more than 36,000 members have partnered with Rotarians worldwide to make significant contributions across all seven of the organization’s areas of focus, including peacebuilding and conflict prevention, as well as disease prevention and treatment. The president pointed out that peace and stability are the greatest hope of people everywhere, and stated that in the future, Taiwan will continue to walk hand in hand with Rotarians worldwide in our commitment to peace, public health, environmental sustainability, humanitarian aid, and beyond, fostering a more connected world through goodwill and shaping the future through action.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
The Rotary International Convention is one of the most influential global NGO events. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I want to welcome [Rotary International] President [Francesco] Arezzo and Mrs. Arezzo, and Rotarians from around the world.
Taipei is hosting this convention for the first time in 32 years. Rotary members from over 140 countries are joining us today, making it a truly momentous occasion.
Special thanks go to Taiwan Rotary members for bringing the world to Taiwan, and to Rotary International leaders for their support. This event affirms that the international community sees Taiwan as an enduring force for humanitarian care, public [welfare], and world peace.
The theme for this general session, “Planting Peace, Growing Hope,” captures the spirit of Taiwan’s Rotarians. For many years, Taiwan’s 12 Rotary districts and more than 36,000 members have partnered with Rotarians worldwide. Together, they have brought change and hope to communities across all seven areas of focus, including peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and disease prevention and treatment.
Through Rotary International’s more than 40 years of efforts, polio cases worldwide have been reduced by 99.9 percent. Yesterday, many people took part in the End Polio Now 3K and 12.5K Run in Taipei, united in the push toward zero cases.
We will achieve this goal. I can say this with confidence because of Taiwan’s outstanding track record. Taiwan successfully met the WHO’s 2030 target for eliminating hepatitis C – five years ahead of schedule. This is thanks in part to the support of our Rotary clubs. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone for making this possible.
This is another new milestone for Taiwan in global public health. It follows the COVID-19 outbreak, when our successful prevention strategies enabled us to help others around the world. I’m confident that in the future, cooperation between Taiwan and Rotary International will lead to even more achievements.
Another goal we share is to strive for peace. At the convention in Calgary last year, President Arezzo noted that Rotary International is a great, immense machine. It has been working for peace for more than a century.
Everything Rotarians do worldwide is in the name of peace. This includes promoting cultural understanding, improving living environments, and providing economic aid.
Today’s global community faces many challenges, from geopolitical changes to extreme climate events and supply chain restructuring. At this very moment, peace and stability are the greatest hope of people everywhere.
Taiwan stands on the frontlines of defense against authoritarian expansion. As a cornerstone of global supply chain security, Taiwan will shoulder its responsibility, and will maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. With our strength in technology, we will also expand cooperation with our democratic partners. Together, we will boost supply chain and economic resilience. We will uphold regional peace and stability, and promote global prosperity and development.
Early this month, tech companies from around the world gathered for COMPUTEX. Today, the Rotary International Convention celebrates another grand opening. Both of these events prove that democratic Taiwan is an important platform for global exchange. They also show that Taiwan is a force for good in the world’s development.
Let’s work together to “Do Good in the World!” In our commitment to peace, public health, environmental sustainability, humanitarian aid, and beyond, Taiwan will continue to walk hand in hand with Rotarians worldwide. Together, we will foster a more connected world through goodwill, and shape the future through action.
Once again, welcome to everyone who has traveled from afar. I invite you to take this opportunity to explore Taiwan. I hope you can personally experience what makes Taiwan so free, open, and diverse. I wish this convention great success, and hope you all make lasting memories. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were Rotary Foundation Chair Holger Knaack and Rotary International Convention Committee Chair Andreas von Möller.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today that it strongly condemns slanderous allegations made in relation to the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation in a Washington Post article headlined “Hong Kong’s nightmare gets darker”.
It stated that the article exposes the newspaper’s irrational anti-China stance and hypocrisy, falling well short of what is expected of professional journalism.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said that under international law and international practice, each and every sovereign state has an inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security. It highlighted that the US has 21 items of legislation aimed at safeguarding US national security, adding that The Washington Post’s article betrays double standards in criticising Hong Kong’s efforts in this area of the law.
Responding to the article in a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Procedural Matters Regulation only aims to clarify the existing classification mechanism regarding offences that endanger national security, as stipulated in the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), and bring greater certainty to relevant provisions.
It said that any reasonable person who objectively studies the three provisions in the Procedural Matters Regulation and follows the relevant discussions held at Legislative Council meetings will recognise that the Procedural Matters Regulation has no retrospective effect at all. Furthermore, it does not create any new offences or penalties and is not applicable to legal proceedings that have concluded.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said that The Washington Post’s article falsely and maliciously claims that “people can now be charged retroactively for crimes that didn’t exist when they allegedly committed them”. It stressed that this claim is a shocking betrayal of the basic tenets of responsible journalism and totally unacceptable.
The statement emphasised that the Procedural Matters Regulation will in no way infringe upon the legitimate rights of any defendant. It outlined that Hong Kong is a place underpinned by the rule of law, and place where the guilt or innocence of a defendant is a matter to be adjudicated independently by the courts, which ensure the right to a fair trial.
Article 4 of the HKNSL stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in the course of safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, as applied to Hong Kong, are protected.
Moreover, Article 5 stipulates that the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing, and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, and that this includes protecting the rights of defendants in judicial proceedings, such as the right of criminal suspects to defend themselves.
Section 2 of the SNSO stipulates that the ordinance is based on the principle of respect for and protection of human rights and the rule of law.
The Hong Kong SAR Government also highlighted another allegation by The Washington Post about the issuance of certificates by the Chief Executive under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO, stating that the allegation is plainly wrong.
It said the issuance of a certificate by the Chief Executive is a rigorous and solemn process. As the top official with primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, the Chief Executive has access to confidential information, including extremely sensitive intelligence and information on acts and activities endangering national security, which is not suitable for public disclosure and may even pertain to threats by state actors.
The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it is a well-established principle in common law jurisdictions that the courts accord deference to the assessments and judgments of executive authorities on national security.
In particular, it pointed to a 2010 judgment by the Supreme Court of the US that the judiciary must defer to executive authorities’ assessments of national security issues, as it can be difficult for the courts to obtain and assess relevant information on evolving threats. It said that turning a blind eye to the this judgment demonstrates The Washington Post’s double standards and ignorance.
The statement added that the legislative process on the Procedural Matters Regulation is entirely in compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.
Regarding The Washington Post’s claim that Hong Kong is now “a less secure place to visit or do business”, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that this is baseless and and constitutes a bold-faced lie intended to smear Hong Kong.
It added that a simple “fact-check” will reveal that the newspaper’s assertions are at odds with how investors and businesses around the world perceive the Hong Kong SAR. It mentioned that Hong Kong has been heralded as the world’s freest economy for decades, ranked third globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, continues to rank among the top three international financial centres, and was number one in the world in terms of initial public offering fundraising in the first quarter of 2026, besides being the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre.
It stressed that foreign businesses have no reason to worry about the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, adding that many entrepreneurs welcome such laws, which ensure a safer and more stable environment for investment and economic development. It cited a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong earlier this year, which showed increased confidence Hong Kong’s business environment for 2026, with 94% of respondents expressing confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law, a marked increase from 83% in 2025.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said The Washington Post must face facts and respect the truth, including honest opinions expressed by their fellow countrymen who invest money and do business in and with Hong Kong.
It added that it will continue to resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, in order to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security, while also upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, thereby ensuring the steadfast implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.
Facing high population density and rising transport demand, the Government established the $1 billion Smart Traffic Fund to encourage research and development and drive innovations that enhance commuting convenience, maximise network efficiency and improve driving safety.
A prime example is the Smart Ding Ding System, developed by Hong Kong Tramways over a period of more than a year with fund backing. The system utilises radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to boost operational efficiency and safety.
Real-time precision
“On each tram, we have installed an RFID reader on the roof,” explained Hong Kong Tramways Assistant Manager (Technical Support) Chan Tsz-to. “We have also installed RFID tags at about 400 different locations across our network on the span wires. When a tram passes these tags, the system detects its actual location in real time.”
Before this system was installed, the company had relied on track switches to determine a tram’s location, a method limited by track configuration. Now, with precise real-time data, control room staff can better manage service intervals, handle unexpected disruptions and co-ordinate emergency manoeuvres.
This operational upgrade also benefits the public. By combining real-time tracking with historical data, the company now provides estimated arrival times for the next three trams on its mobile application, allowing passengers to plan their journeys with ease.
Furthermore, the system prioritises safety at the network’s 20 L-shaped curves. Special RFID tags have been installed at the curves to monitor tram speeds and ensure speeds remain within the safe limit of 8km per hour when taking a bend. “If the tram’s speed is higher than the limit, an alarm is emitted by the system to alert the driver to slow down before entering the curve,” Mr Chan added.
Safeguarding roads
Following incidents where lorry-mounted cranes struck road infrastructure, mandatory regulations were implemented in March 2025 requiring vehicles with extendable aerial structures to be fitted with over-height warning systems.
To support this transition, the Centre of Advanced Power & Autonomous Systems has developed a specialised crane position monitoring system.
“We need to make sure that the sensor is easy to install,” noted the centre’s former Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Cheung. “We want the development to be applicable to different kinds of cranes in different situations.”
The system uses a sensor mounted on the crane to monitor its height and angle, cross-referencing this data with the global positioning system tracking to determine if the vehicle is in motion. If the vehicle moves while the crane is not fully retracted, audio and visual alarms are triggered in the cab. Mr Cheung emphasised the importance of reliability, noting that the system is designed to prevent false alarms so that drivers can trust the warnings.
Established in 2021, the Smart Traffic Fund has approved 92 projects to date, totaling about $638 million in funding. These projects cover road safety, driving behaviour, traffic forecasting, parking, vehicle safety devices and autonomous driving technology.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates case of influenza A (H9) infection (with photo) Case information ——————-
The boy lives in Sha Tin District. He developed a fever and mild diarrhoea on June 9. On the following day (June 10), he was brought to Prince of Wales Hospital and was admitted for treatment. His clinical specimen tested positive for the influenza A (H9) virus by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the CHP. The subtyping result is pending. His clinical diagnosis was novel influenza. He is currently in stable condition and has been admitted to an isolation ward at Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment.
The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The case has been classified as a locally acquired case. The patient does not attend school or receive daycare services. He is primarily cared for by his family members and spends most of his time at home or nearby. His household does not keep poultry. According to information provided by his family members, he has neither consumed undercooked poultry nor come into contact with any patients. In early June, one of his family members took him to Wo Che Market on two occasions. During these visits, the patient stayed at a fresh provision shop in the market that sells live chickens to watch the poultry and touched the surroundings of the fresh provision shop. The CHP conducted an investigation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and collected environmental samples from the shop concerned. The shop staff remained asymptomatic. The patient has six household contacts and they remain asymptomatic so far. The CHP has provided them with preventive medication and put them under medical surveillance.
The CHP is continuing to investigate the source of infection of the case and is conducting whole genome sequencing of the virus sample. The CHP will also report the case to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Humans are primarily infected with the influenza A virus through direct contact with infected poultry or through indirect contact with environments contaminated by their droppings. The CHP’s epidemiological investigation indicated that the patient had visited a location where live poultry was sold. It cannot be ruled out that the patient was infected through indirect contact with a contaminated environment at the wet market. As young children have weaker immune systems and are incapable of maintaining good hand hygiene, the CHP advised parents to avoid taking young children to places where live poultry is sold. Transporting poultry may contaminate the ground and the surrounding environment. As young children are shorter in height and easy to be in contact with the surrounding environment, they are at greater risk of coming into contact with poultry droppings or contaminated areas.
In the past ten years, the WHO has received reports of a total of over 160 cases of human infection with influenza A (H9) worldwide. To date, most case of human infection with influenza A (H9) have presented with only mild clinical illness. According to the WHO’s risk assessment, the influenza A (H9) virus has not acquired the ability for sustained human-to-human transmissions.
Novel influenza A infection, including influenza A (H9), is a notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Compared to other highly pathogenic avian influenza strains such as H5N1 and H7N9, influenza A (H9) is a low-pathogenic avian influenza strain that causes milder illness. Excluding the aforementioned case, 10 cases of influenza A (H9N2) have been reported since 1999, including four locally acquired cases and six imported cases. No deaths have been recorded so far. In response to the latest local case, the CHP will issue a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them of the latest situation of influenza A (H9), and urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases.
Sporadic cases of human infection with avian influenza occur from time to time internationally. Although the current risk of an outbreak is low, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has consistently implemented preventive measures, including a disease surveillance system, the implementation of livestock control measures at farms, markets and ports, in order to prevent avian influenza.
The PHLSB of the CHP comprises laboratories with high biosafety standards, capable of conducting, testing for high-risk pathogens, and which also possess sufficient testing and genetic analysis capabilities and facilities. Hong Kong currently has sufficient reserve of antiviral medications.
Preventive measures to be taken by the public —————————————————-
Humans are primarily infected with the avian influenza A virus through contact with infected birds, poultry or other animals (whether alive or dead), or through surfaces or environments contaminated with saliva, mucous and animal faeces (such as wet markets and live poultry markets). The virus has very low transmissibility among humans. People who have close contact with live poultry are more susceptible to contracting avian influenza. The elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses have a higher risk of developing complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, if infected. Members of the public should remain vigilant and take the following measures to prevent avian influenza: The public may visit the CHP’s webpages for more information: Avian Influenza WebpageIssued at HKT 22:19
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP urges high-risk individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccination at appropriate time as two severe paediatric cases of COVID-19 infection are recorded this week Case details ————–
The case involves a 12-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, cough and runny nose on June 2. On the next day (June 3), he presented with stridor and his family member administered a rapid antigen test for him, which was positive for COVID-19. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was admitted on June 4. On the same day, due to severe croup symptom, he was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit of Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. He is currently in critical condition. His respiratory specimen tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was COVID-19 complicated with croup.
The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received COVID-19 vaccine and had no travel history during the incubation period. His two household contacts developed mild respiratory symptoms since June 4 and have recovered and did not require hospitalisation.
“Scientific evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death. Although COVID-19 has become a common respiratory infection in Hong Kong and around the world, certain high-risk individuals, especially young children, who have not received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and have not developed immunity through natural infection, face a higher risk of serious complications if they become infected. I would like to specifically remind the public that individuals who have not yet received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including children aged six months or above) should get vaccinated as soon as possible, while high-risk individuals (particularly the elderly and those with underlying comorbidities) should also receive booster dose at appropriate times for effective protection against COVID-19.” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
“According to the latest surveillance data, while the overall local activity of COVID-19 still remains at a relatively low level, slight increases have been recorded continually since early May. The positive detection rate of specimens collected at the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP increased from 0.45 per cent in the early May to 1.39 per cent in the previous week. The COVID-19 activity levels fluctuate, with an upsurge period generally occurred approximately every six to nine months in recent years. Each upsurge is associated with changes in predominant circulating variants and a decline in community herd immunity. It has been nearly a year since the end of the last periodic upsurge of COVID-19 activity in Hong Kong, and it cannot be ruled out that the overall COVID-19 activity will rise further in the coming one to two months,” he added. Apart from vaccination, in order to prevent COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following: For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendations on vaccine use, please refer to the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 21:51
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chinese Culture Festival 2026 opens today In a video speech addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation in a steady and substantive manner, with a view to better promoting Chinese culture to the world, and supporting Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has also set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride. He said that the CCF, an annual flagship project, features performances, exhibitions, outreach activities and more. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation. He said the CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Lin Nan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Tang Ka-piu; member of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and Director of the Paso a Paso Foundation Limited, Ms Melissa Pang; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.
The opening programme of this year’s CCF – the dance drama “Lady White Snake” – was also staged this evening to a full house. Produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre with internationally acclaimed ballet artist Tan YuanYuan as artistic director, the production assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines and a stellar cast of lead dancers from both the Chinese Mainland and abroad. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of the millennial folk legend, charting a profound journey of self-discovery for Lady White Snake. The brilliant performances by the lead dancers of the “Moon” cast for the opening night – Ao Dingwen, Wu Husheng, Wang Nianci and Su Hailu, alongside dancers from the Shanghai Opera House Dance Ensemble – captivated the audience with a refreshing rendition of the “White Snake” legend. Issued at HKT 21:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 12) issued the following statement regarding the dismissal of an intern doctor:
The HA holds doctors to the highest standards of professional conduct, behaviour, and discipline. The HA insists that all doctors serving patients in public hospitals must possess both medical competence and conduct themselves in a professional manner. In addition to having professional knowledge to treat patients, they must uphold the strictest professional conduct and place patient well-being, privacy, safety, and care as their foremost priority at all times. The HA has absolutely zero tolerance for any form of behaviour that undermines the professional conduct of doctors. The HA will not permit any doctors concerned to practise in public hospitals to safeguard patient safety.
Upon becoming aware of recent discussions on social media posts regarding a series of improper acts by an intern doctor, the HA has taken action to establish an investigation panel to follow up on the event seriously. The panel has completed its investigation and determined that the intern doctor was involved in a series of improper act. The HA has taken action today to dismiss the intern doctor immediately.
During its investigation, the panel conducted interviews with the intern doctor and relevant healthcare staff, and carried out a detailed review of various evidence, including clinical and computer system records. The panel concluded that the intern doctor was involved in several serious improper act, including:
Breach of the professional conduct and integrity expected of doctors;
Infringement of patient privacy and professional confidentiality; and
Failure to faithfully follow instructions in performing medical procedures.
The HA has notified the intern doctor of the dismissal decision, and has also informed the medical school of the relevant university for appropriate follow-up. The HA will continue to investigate the event. If it is determined that any other doctors were involved in improper act, the HA will deal with the issue with the utmost seriousness and without leniency, in order to uphold doctors’ professional conduct and safeguard patient safety.
The HA spokesperson reiterates that the HA will not tolerate any conduct that undermines patient safety or doctors’ professional conduct, and strongly condemns such conduct.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, the FEHD has initiated three prosecutions against the relevant estate management company and property management companies following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at a public housing estate and two private housing estates in Kwun Tong District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in three public housing estates and three private housing estates in Kwun Tong District and North District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 20:53
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, chaired the 21st meeting of the Cancer Coordinating Committee (CCC) today (June 12) to review the implementation of the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy and discuss the response strategies and measures with relevant government departments and organisations.
Professor Lo said, “The Government promulgated Hong Kong’s first Strategy in 2019, setting out the overall direction and related strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. At today’s meeting, we conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of various cancer prevention and control initiatives. A preliminary assessment indicated that over 80 per cent of the targets were met, covering enhancing the cancer surveillance system, expanding screening programmes, optimising diagnostic and treatment services, strengthening support to survivors, promoting cancer research, and more. The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to promote cancer prevention and control, consolidate Hong Kong’s leading position in cancer research as well as prevention and control, and strive to optimise services and provide appropriate treatment for cancer patients.”
At the meeting, the CCC reviewed and discussed the progress of various cancer prevention and control measures, including:
Surveillance
The Hong Kong Cancer Registry (HKCaR) is responsible for conducting comprehensive cancer surveillance through the collection, analysis, consolidation and dissemination of data of patients diagnosed with cancer from public and major private healthcare institutions in Hong Kong. In recent years, the HKCaR has not only supported evaluating the current cancer screening programmes in Hong Kong (such as the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme), but has also strengthened the collection and compilation of more comprehensive cancer surveillance data. This includes providing analysis of survival trends for 20 major solid cancers and early-onset cancers, as well as consolidating and disseminating the most common cancer biomarkers or prognostic indicators of various cancers, with a view to empowering stakeholders with essential information to improve the quality of cancer care and implement cost-effective cancer prevention and control work.
At the meeting, the CCC examined the city-wide population-based cancer surveillance data for 2023. These data include figures on cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and early-onset cancer. In particular, a total of 37 953 newly diagnosed cancer cases were recorded in 2023, involving 18 656 males and 19 297 females. In other words, 104 new cancer cases were diagnosed every day. Lung cancer (6 111 cases) remains the most common cancer in Hong Kong, while breast cancer (5 603 cases, including male breast cancer) has for two consecutive years surpassed colorectal cancer (5 467 cases), being the second and third most common cancers, respectively.
In addition, the HKCaR analysed the data from adults diagnosed with 20 major solid cancers over the past decade or so. The results show that the overall cancer survival rate has demonstrated an increasing trend over the years. Notably, the survival rates of the fatal cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancers, improved significantly. The overall number of cancer cases in Hong Kong has been increasing, primarily attributed to an ageing and growing population. Recent data reveal that cancer has increased among females across both younger and older age groups, while remaining stable among males.
In fact, as early as 2006, cancer has been defined as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization. The CCC is concerned about the prevalence of cancer in Hong Kong and the long-term burden it places on public resources, and recognises the importance of existing data. The comprehensive cancer database in Hong Kong not only provides reliable data as a key reference for cancer surveillance, but also serves as a crucial resource for the Government and various stakeholders in formulating cancer prevention and control strategies and advancing healthcare development. More detailed cancer data are available on the HKCaR’s website for reference.
Prevention and screening
The Department of Health (DH) has long adopted the promotion of a healthy lifestyle as a key strategy for cancer prevention, and is committed to strengthening public education to enhance public awareness of cancer prevention and screening. Through a variety of channels, including websites, the mass media and social media platforms, health information is disseminated to encourage the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoidance of smoking and alcohol, to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases including cancer.
For screening, the DH has, in accordance with the recommendations of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), successively implemented the Cervical Screening Programme, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme. The majority of cancer cases identified through various screening programmes are at earlier stages, leading to a more favourable prognosis. To enhance cervical screening coverage, the Government initiated the Pilot Scheme on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres since 2024, and extended the programme to the district health network in January this year. In addition, the DH launched Phase II of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme in June last year to provide subsidised screening services to females aged 35 to 74 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Regarding lung cancer screening, the Research Council chaired by the Secretary for Health has commissioned a local university to conduct a study to provide a scientific basis for developing local screening strategies and to assess the feasibility of lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography with artificial intelligence technology for asymptomatic persons at high-risk in Hong Kong.
The Primary Healthcare Commission launched the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme in February this year to identify people with chronic hepatitis B in the community at an early stage and provide long-term follow-up services, with a view to reducing their risk of having serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The CCC also discussed and endorsed the recommendations on prevention and screening for prostate cancer by the CEWG at the meeting.
Diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care
The Hospital Authority (HA) is committed to enhancing cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care by augmenting service capacity and improving service co-ordination. As stipulated in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, the HA will increase service capacity by the first quarter of 2027 to provide 12 000 additional Specialist Out-patient attendances annually, over 5 000 additional chemotherapy attendances annually, and nine additional operating theatre sessions per week. The HA has also regularly reviewed and enhanced the Drug Formulary and the coverage of the safety net through the prevailing mechanism, with a view to enhancing cancer treatment services. In addition, the Office for Introducing Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices was set up and commenced operations on June 8 this year. The Office will significantly expedite the process of introducing “new and better” drugs, including cancer drugs, into the HA Drug Formulary, thereby effectively and comprehensively enhancing the treatments provided for patients.
The HA will continue to provide personalised and multidisciplinary cancer care services. Services for lung cancer patients with enhanced diagnosis and treatment procedures will continue to be rolled out in different clusters, including expanding the multidisciplinary fast-track diagnostic services for suspected lung cancer patients to Hong Kong Island Cluster, Kowloon East Cluster and New Territories West Cluster, as well as expanding the cancer case manager service to Hong Kong Island Cluster and New Territories East Cluster. The HA will also implement precision medicine through increasing various genetic and related testing capacities to support more targeted and personalised cancer treatment options, thereby improving treatment efficacy and lessening side effects.
As for the support to cancer survivors, the HA will implement the primary healthcare collaboration model on cancer survivorship by the first quarter of 2027 to facilitate the transition of cancer survivors who are in stable condition from specialist care to primary healthcare services for appropriate care and continuous follow-up.
Research
The Health Bureau has long been supporting research related to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship through the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), with a view to formulating evidence-based health policies in a bid to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cancer as well as improve patients’ conditions and their quality of life. Since the Government’s promulgation of the Strategy, the HMRF has supported over 310 investigator-initiated and health promotion projects and over 40 awardees under the Research Fellowship Scheme, as well as multiple commissioned research related to cancer and its risk factors, including those evaluating the effectiveness of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and Phase I of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme, and a new commissioned study on the use of artificial intelligence to assist cancer screening targeting high-risk non-smokers. With the launch of the research translation strategy, the HMRF will foster research translation and engagement of end-users for cancer-related projects and continue to support clinical cancer-related research as one of the thematic priorities.
Established in 2001 and chaired by the Secretary for Health, the CCC comprises cancer experts and doctors from the public and private sectors, academics and public health professionals. The CCC makes recommendations on the formulation of strategies for cancer prevention and control, while steering the direction of work in relation to cancer prevention and screening, treatment, surveillance, research, and more. The CEWG under the CCC regularly reviews international and local evidence and makes recommendations on cancer prevention and screening applicable to the local setting. In addition, the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, the HA and the Research and Data Analytics Office of the Health Bureau oversee cancer surveillance, treatment and research respectively.
The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026 opened today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), launching over 280 performances and activities to be held from June to September.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the opening ceremony via a video speech. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law; Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural & Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lin Nan; and Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Manda Chan officiated the ceremony at the HKCC.
Pointing out that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation and supports Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has also been set up for bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
In addition, he highlighted that the CCF makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
The CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world, he stressed.
The opening programme of this year’s CCF, dance drama “Lady White Snake”, which assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines, was staged this evening to a full house. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of a millennial folk legend.
Moreover, the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” was held this afternoon at the HKCC Grand Theatre, where over 500 students, teachers and members of the community viewed an open rehearsal of “Lady White Snake”.
Separately, an exhibition of the CCF 2026 opened today and will run until June 25 at the Foyer Exhibition Area of the HKCC, showcasing the CCF’s distinctive stage programmes and activities. A photo-worthy spot featuring the CCF’s special edition of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department mascots has also been set up outside the HKCC.