The Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute (HKJCDPR) organized an Ebola Preparedness Seminar on 20 August 2014, jointly with the Hong Kong Medical Association. The seminar was supported by the Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières Hong Kong.

Dr Donald Li, President of Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, said, "Hong Kong as a leading international destination for worldwide travellers is potentially vulnerable to an Ebola outbreak. As WHO Director General Dr Margaret Chan iterated, the most important aspect in managing the current Ebola threat is not to be complacent." Dr the Hon Ko Wing-man, who attended the opening ceremony as Guest of Honour, urged the healthcare profession and the public to prepare our city for the fight against the deadly Ebola disease.

The half-day seminar aimed to provide healthcare professionals, especially medical doctors in private practice, with some much-needed knowledge and techniques in identifying Ebola symptoms and dealing with suspected patients in the community setting. The seminar featured a scientific session and a practical session on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment. It attracted the participation of more than 100 healthcare practitioners.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute (HKJCDPRI) was officially launched on 20 August 2014, in the face of a global upturn in the frequency and severity of disasters, as an operational centre of excellence in disaster preparedness and response in Hong Kong.

Over 300 guests gathered at Hong Kong Academy of Medicine at the launch to celebrate the establishment of HKJCDPRI under the generous funding support of HK$271 million over five years by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Charities Trust.

Housed in and led by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, HKJCDPRI aims to build Hong Kong as a regional and international leader in disaster preparedness and response training, and to promote local community resilience. A five-year programme will be executed to build the disaster preparedness and response capacity of healthcare professional, non-government organisations (NGOs) and members of the community. A platform will also be developed for continuous professional discussion, networking, policy development and accreditation in Hong Kong around disaster management issues.

As part of the ceremony, a Scientific Seminar on Disaster Management was held, featuring a keynote speech by Dr Ailan Li, Director of Health Security and Emergencies of World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office of the Western Pacific. The keynote speech on “Managing Health Security and Disaster Risks” covered some hot topics and social issues such as Ebola, and was followed by a discussion forum.

Officiating and special guests gathered to celebrate the launch of HKJCDPRI.

Video congratulatory message delivered by Director-General of WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan