Institutional bonds issued

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the successful pricing of approximately HK$27.6 billion worth of green bonds and infrastructure bonds under its Sustainable Bond Programme and Infrastructure Bond Programme.

Denominated in Hong Kong dollars, renminbi (RMB), US dollars and euros, the bonds are expected to be settled on May 14. They will be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

The Monetary Authority noted that the bonds were priced yesterday following a virtual roadshow.

The bonds have been assigned credit ratings of AA- by Fitch, Aa3 by Moody’s and AA+ by S&P Global Ratings.

The infrastructure bonds include a HK$3 billion 30-year tranche at 3.95%, an RMB6 billion 20-year tranche at 2.6%, an RMB6 billion 30-year tranche at 2.7%, and a US$500 million 5-year tranche at 4.052%.

A EUR750 million 8-year green tranche at 3.119% was also issued.

The offering attracted a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. It drew approximately HK$239 billion in orders, representing a subscription ratio of about 8.6 times. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Government has continued to issue longer-tenor HK-dollar and RMB bonds to meet institutional demand and foster the development of fixed income and currency markets.

“Issuance of RMB bonds will further enrich offshore RMB product offerings, improve the offshore RMB yield curve and promote RMB internationalisation,” Mr Chan said.

“The enthusiastic response from global institutional investors to the subscription reflects their confidence in the development prospects of Hong Kong,” he added.

Further Tai Po returns scheduled

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

From May 21 to 29, residents of the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po will be given the chance return once again to their units, in batches, to collect personal belongings, the Government announced today.

Access arrangements will be broadly similar to those previously implemented. On a staggered basis, 10 floors at a time will be opened within each block, starting from the lower floors. Residents will be able to return to their respective units at the time arranged for them.

Residents of Wang Yan House, Wang Sun House and Wang Tai House will be able to return on May 21, 22 and 23. Those of Wang Kin House and Wan Cheong House will be able to return on May 24, 25 and 26. May 27 to 29 are allocated for residents of Wang Tao House and Wang Shing House.

Morning sessions will run from 9am to 1pm, and afternoon sessions from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Four residents per unit will be able to enter their building at a time. Residents will be able to stay for up to three hours and make multiple trips.

Under the “one social worker per household” arrangement, social workers will notify households of their allocated timeslots, and assist with pre-registration.

On access days, pre-registered individuals will be instructed to proceed to Kwong Fuk Community Hall to check in and collect safety gear before going to their units. 

Global Mediation Summit concludes

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Global Mediation Summit, the first international conference organised by the International Organization for Mediation, or IOMed, was held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today, with Chief Executive John Lee officiating.

Speaking at the event, Mr Lee noted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan has expressed support for IOMed, and emphasised that this backing ensures Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation in the long term.

“As IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future,” Mr Lee said.

“The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I am pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation, long down the road,” he added.

“Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with IOMed. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation centre, and we invite governments, companies, investors and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMed.”

Mr Lee also highlighted that since its inauguration last October, the number of signatory states to the IOMed Convention has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has risen from eight to 13.

The summit drew over 400 leaders, senior officials and professionals from 48 countries and regions to share their experience and insights on international mediation.

IOMed Governing Council Vice-chairperson Willy Bett noted that establishing the headquarters in Hong Kong significantly bolsters the trust of many countries.

“IOMed’s positioning or location in Hong Kong, and the support the Hong Kong SAR and the People’s Republic of China in general, has made IOMed gain confidence with many countries,” he said.

“And Hong Kong has a lot of experience in handling international matters. And therefore, even the location of Hong Kong in itself being at the heart of Asia and the Pacific, it puts it in a unique position to be a more central place to settle most of these disputes,” Mr Bett added.

Another speaker, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Conciliator Panel Member Wolf Von Kumberg, who is an independent arbitrator and mediator himself, said Hong Kong is well positioned to become a global mediation capital.

“For mediation to work, you have to ensure that the parties feel comfortable in going to a particular venue that is both stable and also is a safe place to go,” he noted.

“Hong Kong is very well placed because for decades, Hong Kong has been a commercial hub where investors could come from all over the world into a very stable environment,” he added.

“By putting a mediation institute here, it is a place that is recognised by global stakeholders to help them then to resolve these disputes.”

With the support of the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy as the key sponsors, the summit concludes Mediation Week 2026.

The event has explored international cross-cultural mediation, financial and investment dispute resolution and the development of a global mediation ecosystem.

Get ready for the HKDSE Examination results release; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: Mindfulness practice helps in more effective parenting 靜觀練習有助更有效的教養 (Chinese version only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

The symposium is organised by the Arts Education (AE) Section of the Curriculum Development Institute (CDI), the Education Bureau (EDB), with support from 13 local universities. Themed “Visual Innovation”, the symposium aims to enhance the learning and teaching of visual arts and design, facilitate participants’ grasp of the latest developments in the design field and the application of innovative technologies, cultivate visual thinking and higher-order thinking skills, strengthen vocational and professional education and training, and provide a platform for exchange among teachers and students.15 May 2026 (Friday) 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
16 May 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Venue

Exhibition Gallery, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library

For further details of the symposium and the exhibition, please visit the Arts Education Key Learning Area Webpage: Click Here

 

SCST begins visit to Venice

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SCST begins visit to Venice       
     Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is the world’s oldest international exhibition of contemporary visual arts. Each edition features some 100 countries and regions participating through national pavilions and collateral events. Since 2001, the HKADC has taken part in the Venice Biennale as a Collateral Event, aiming to promote Hong Kong’s artistic development and foster cultural exchanges on international art platforms.Issued at HKT 11:25

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Speech by SJ at Global Mediation Summit (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Global Mediation Summit under Mediation Week 2026 today (May 8):
 
Secretary-General Cheng (Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation, Professor Teresa Cheng), Commissioner Cui (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Cui Jianchun), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. The Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy under the DoJ are extremely honoured to be the key sponsors of today’s Global Mediation Summit organised by the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).
 
     Time really flies. I still remember that we hosted the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed on May 30 last year. Shortly after that, we completed the conversion of the Old Wan Chai Police Station into the IOMed Headquarters. On October 20 last year, the formal inauguration and first Governing Council meeting of the IOMed were held. It is indeed remarkable that, within less than a year following the signing of the Convention, the number of signatories has increased to 41, out of which 13 have ratified the Convention and hence become Contracting States.
 
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, in particular the DoJ, will continue to support the work of the IOMed in different ways. First, it will be responsible for the maintenance of the Headquarters. Second, the DoJ will continue to second Hong Kong legal professionals to the IOMed Secretariat. Since 2023, the DoJ has already seconded a total of four counsel to assist in the establishment of the IOMed. Third, the Government will actively promote the use of IOMed mediation by, among other things, taking the lead in procuring the inclusion of an IOMed mediation clause in suitable international agreements to which the HKSAR Government is a party.
 
     Furthermore, we are at the preparatory stage of the construction of an entirely new Hong Kong International Legal Service Building, which will be located adjacent to the IOMed Headquarters. In addition to the provision of training and dispute resolution facilities, space has been reserved for the IOMed in anticipation of its future needs.
 
     I would venture to say that Hong Kong provides the ideal ecosystem for the conduct of international mediation under the IOMed. 
 
     To begin with, Hong Kong is well recognised as a leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Indeed, one of the mandates stated in the National 15th Five-Year Plan is that Hong Kong shall strengthen its status in this respect.
 
     To be more specific on mediation, Hong Kong aims at establishing itself as the Global Capital of Mediation. Back in 2009, the DoJ launched the “Mediate First” Pledge campaign. The Pledge is a non-legally binding statement of commitment by pledgees to first explore the use of mediation to resolve disputes before resorting to other means of dispute resolution. To date, over 1 000 companies, organisations or associations and individuals have signed the Pledge. Since 2012, the DoJ has been organising the Mediation Week biennially to promote the wider use of mediation in Hong Kong. Today’s Summit is indeed the finale of this year’s Mediation Week. On November 6, 2024, the DoJ issued the Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts, under which the Government, as a matter of general policy, would incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. The policy has taken effect since February 6, 2025. The Working Group on Mediation Regulatory System, established by the DoJ in October 2024, has already completed a comprehensive review and made a series of recommendations, including a proposal to introduce legislative amendments to the Mediation Ordinance. The DoJ will take forward the legislative amendment work in the second half of 2026. Furthermore, capacity-building programmes offered by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, set up by the DoJ in late 2024, would include mediation wherever appropriate.
 
     One of Hong Kong’s strengths is its strong pool of legal professionals who are proficient and experienced in international dispute resolution. It is noteworthy that 10 out of the 24 mediators designated by China to the IOMed’s General Panel of Mediators come from Hong Kong.
 
     Let us not forget that Hong Kong is located in the heart of Asia, and within a five-hour flight of half of the world’s population. It is an international, cosmopolitan city which offers a safe, inclusive and friendly environment to people coming from other parts of the world.
 
     All in all, we are very confident that the IOMed, with its Headquarters in Hong Kong, will make significant contributions to the international rule of law. The HKSAR Government, in particular the DoJ, will continue to do its utmost to promote and support the work of the IOMed in the future. On this note, ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a most constructive Summit. Thank you very much.

  

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao join forces in Suzhou to promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities in Greater Bay Area

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao join forces in Suzhou to promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities in Greater Bay Area       
     Assistant Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Miss Cathy Li said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong serves as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the world, leveraging its financial connectivity, talent flow, business practices that align with international standards, and common law system. With the integrated development of the GBA, Hong Kong’s advantages have become increasingly prominent. It is not only the preferred platform for Mainland enterprises to go global, but also an ideal partner of Yangtze River Delta enterprises to capitalise on the strengths of the GBA to explore the global market.
      
     Director of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute Mr Larry Leong said that Macao is actively promoting economic diversification, with high-tech industries as a core sector, supported by a solid foundation of national key laboratories and the Macao-Zhuhai innovation cluster which was among the top 100 in the Global Innovation Index. At the same time, Macao, with the unique advantages of “one country, two systems” and as the platform between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries (PSCs), can effectively assist enterprises in Jiangsu and other Yangtze River Delta regions to efficiently connect their semiconductor and integrated circuit products and technologies to PSCs and international markets.Issued at HKT 18:00

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23 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight”, “Greenlane”, “Fastrack” and “Contribute”; anti-illegal worker joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force, and a joint operation with Hong Kong Customs, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Police Force, from April 30 to yesterday (May 7). 
 
During the anti-illegal worker operations, investigators raided multiple target locations including warehouses, massage parlours and flats under renovation. Sixteen suspected illegal workers, five suspected employers and two overstayers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men and nine women, aged 21 to 63. Among them, one man was holding a recognisance form which prohibits him from taking any employment, and one woman was suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Three men and two women, aged 37 to 66, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged identity card or an identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
 
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

     

DH launches Preparedness and Response Plan for Dengue Fever and Chikungunya Fever and announces latest update on mosquito-borne diseases

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 8) launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Dengue Fever (DF) and Chikungunya Fever (CF) (the Plan for DF and CF), which outlines the command structure and corresponding control measures for each response level when either of these two mosquito-borne diseases poses a significant threat to public health in Hong Kong. The Plan provides guidance and a basis for the response efforts of various government departments and stakeholders, enabling early risk prevention, the continuous optimisation of response arrangements, and the effective safeguarding of public health. The CHP also announced the latest situation regarding DF and CF.
 
Preparedness and Response Plan for DF and CF
———————————————————-
 
      “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for DF (the Plan for DF) in 2019, which outlines contingency arrangements to be implemented should DF pose a significant threat to public health in Hong Kong. The Plan also details follow-up actions to be taken by various government departments and organisations to mitigate the threat to public health. Over the years, relevant departments and organisations have continuously strengthened interdepartmental collaboration in accordance with the Plan for DF, mobilising all sectors to implement various prevention and control measures. This has effectively prevented and managed the risk of DF transmission in Hong Kong. Last year, when the first local case of CF was recorded in Hong Kong, the CHP immediately took comprehensive response actions based on the Plan, successfully preventing a large-scale outbreak. Given that both DF and CF are primarily transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes, and have similar prevention and control strategies, the CHP has conducted a comprehensive review of the original plan. After consulting with relevant departments, the CHP has updated and revised into the Plan for DF and CF. The updated Plan for DF and CF has been uploaded to the CHP website and distributed to relevant departments and organisations,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
      “The Plan for DF and CF provides the Government with the core capabilities to swiftly, efficiently and coordinately prevent, detect, control and respond to outbreaks of these two mosquito-borne diseases, thereby safeguarding public health and the health of citizens. The Plan for DF and CF continues to envisage a three-tiered Emergency Response Level (Alert, Serious and Emergency). Based on the latest scientific evidence and the impact of the diseases on the community, the Government will assess risks to determine whether to activate or deactivate the relevant levels and implement corresponding prevention and control measures. Relevant organisations should also refer to this Plan for DF and CF when formulating their own contingency plans,” he added.
 
Dengue fever
—————-
 
From May 1 to yesterday (May 7), no new cases of DF had been recorded.

     Hong Kong has recorded 17 DF cases so far this year, including 16 imported cases and one local case. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, including 156 imported cases and five local cases.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths were reported in 97 countries/territories.
 
     DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. In 2025, Indonesia, India and Vietnam each recorded over 120 000 cases; Malaysia and Thailand each recorded over 50 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 4 000 cases. Meanwhile, as of May 3, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 86 cases in Guangdong Province this year, including six locally infected cases. Guangdong Province recorded over 3 500 locally infected cases in 2025.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website.
 
Chikungunya fever
———————–

     From May 1 to yesterday, no new cases of CF had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, both of which were imported cases. Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.

     In 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in 41 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Meanwhile, as of May 3, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded four cases in Guangdong Province this year, including one locally infected case.
 
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
—————————————————-
 
According to the latest surveillance data from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the mosquito infestations in Hong Kong worsened in April. In addition, the average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. Therefore, the CHP reminded members of the public to maintain good environmental hygiene, and to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
 
Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists. Members of the public should check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether travelling or not, members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

  • read the label instructions carefully first;
  • apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
  • apply on exposed skin and clothing;
  • use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic, and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
  • apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
  • reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
  • in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     
​The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     ​The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health Newstips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook PageInstagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Public urged to strengthen anti-mosquito efforts early

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 8) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in April was 7.9 per cent, at Level 2, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was fairly extensive. The FEHD and relevant government departments have stepped up mosquito prevention and control actions. 

In April, among the 62 survey areas, the area gravidtrap indexes (AGI) in Tai Po East, Tai Po District, and Sheung Shui, North District, exceeded 20 per cent, reaching the Level 3 alert level. The gravidtraps were mostly located in the vicinity of private residential areas, public housing estates, schools, hospitals, recreational and sports facilities and public places. The FEHD has collaborated with relevant government departments by taking immediate actions to strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in the areas concerned.

Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in April was 1.3, which represented that an average of 1.3 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. 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 website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, “With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing of the increase and its extent are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of the increase are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions. The FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD has also conducted site inspections with relevant departments, and provided them with professional advice and technical support to assist them in formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures swiftly. At the same time, the FEHD has strengthened publicity and education. The FEHD will continue to monitor the mosquito infestation in all districts, and will conduct prompt and effective mosquito prevention and control work.”

The FEHD continues to conduct a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The second phase began on April 13 and will run until June 12. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD are targeting residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates, hospitals, illegal cultivation sites, waterfront public and private cargo working areas, land boundary control points, typhoon shelters and cross-boundary ferry terminals to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments have launched phase one and phase two of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations on March 25 and April 30 respectively. Departments will continue with the work of phase one including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places and arranging for necessary structural repairs to minimise mosquito breeding places, and have already started the work of phase two to conduct regular ultra-low volume fogging operations at places with mosquito infestation to control the mosquitoes. The FEHD called on property management entities to continue actively participating in the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations. 

The FEHD currently makes regular announcements on gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the FEHD has strengthened information dissemination by promptly announcing the latest gravidtrap indexes through press releases and social media.

In addition, to further reduce the risk of transmission of chikungunya fever (CF), the FEHD has extended its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the AGI reaches 20 per cent, to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent. Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks and, in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, conduct intensive and targeted mosquito control work. The FEHD will also notify nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together to take mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

To reduce the risk of transmission of CF and dengue fever (DF), the FEHD continues to step up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts and conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within a 250-metre radius of the residence of patients and the places that patients had visited during the infectious period. Actions include removing mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and carrying out ultra-low volume fogging operations in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under plant pots at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and disposable meal boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

​Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. Furthermore, according to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks last year; as of December 10, 2025, more than 500,000 cases had been reported in over 40 countries/regions worldwide. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.