August 15, 2006

Hong Kong's health grant to focus on bird flu

The Hong Kong Government announced Monday (Aug 14) that this year's US$57.7 million fund for infectious diseases would be focused on bird flu.

The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said on its website applications for research into the control of infectious disease in aetiology (the study of causes or origins of disease), epidemiology and public health, basic research, and clinical and health services research would be considered.

Respiratory infectious diseases, including bird flu and tuberculosis and vector-borne diseases would be given a higher priority. Collaborative research with the Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions is also encouraged.

Hong Kong has also set aside a US$3.3 million health services fund to boost public health, improve the quality of life and enhance its health system's standard and cost-effectiveness, the bureau said.

Applications for the Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases and the Health and Health Services Research Fund would be opened on Aug 15.