Secretary for Social Affair and Culture (SSAC), Chui Sai On today (7 Sept.) left for the Manila, Philippines to attend the 54th Session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific to be held on 8-12 this month.

Mr. Chui headed an official delegation from the Health Department to attend the Committee; members included the Director and the Deputy Director of Health Bureau.

The Committee will discuss the report of the Regional Director; Programme budget 2002-2003: budget performance; proposed programme budget: 2004-2005; expanded programme on immunization of measles, and hepatitis B; sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, SARS; framework convention on Tabacoo Control; child health, etc.

Topic for the Ministerial round table meeting is how to strengthen public health. The Committee will also nominate of the new Regional Director.

The Regional Committee is under the supervision of the Western Pacific of World Health Organization. It is a ministerial meeting and is held annually to discuss the regional work, budget and issues on public health affairs.