Hong Kong Hosts World Cancer Congress, Aims to Become International Medical Innovation Hub
Crhk · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The World Cancer Congress commenced its three-day session at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Thursday, representing a landmark moment as Hong Kong hosts the event for the first time. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered a video address at the opening ceremony, outlining the city's commitment to becoming an international medical innovation hub . The conference, which has drawn nearly 2,000 industry experts and policymakers, will explore the latest advances in cancer research, prevention, treatment, and care .
Key Points
- Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced Hong Kong will deepen Greater Bay Area and international cooperation to accelerate drug and medical device R&D, clinical trials, biotechnology, and precision medicine
- The government will continue attracting leading global pharmaceutical companies and world-class medical professionals to Hong Kong, and expand international cooperation on public health initiatives and professional exchange
- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that tobacco use—the leading cause of cancer—has declined by one-third globally, with downward trends persisting in 140 countries
- WHO's first global survey of cancer patients revealed that over half of respondents suffer from comorbid mental health conditions, while half face severe financial difficulties, with some forced to sell properties to afford treatment
- Tedros noted significant global inequalities in cancer outcomes, with vast disparities in survival rates between high-income and low-income countries, and 48 nations experiencing rising premature cancer mortality
Why It Matters
The congress positions Hong Kong at the centre of international cancer research and medical innovation collaboration. By aligning its five-year cancer plan with the national Healthy China initiative while pursuing partnerships across the Greater Bay Area and globally, Hong Kong stands to attract substantial investment and talent to its healthcare sector. Tedros's call to include cancer patients in policy-making reflects a growing movement toward patient-centred healthcare approaches that could reshape future medical governance worldwide .
The congress positions Hong Kong at the centre of international cancer research and medical innovation collaboration. By aligning its five-year cancer plan with the national Healthy China initiative while pursuing partnerships across the Greater Bay Area and globally, Hong Kong stands to attract substantial investment and talent to its healthcare sector. Tedros's call to include cancer patients in policy-making reflects a growing movement toward patient-centred healthcare approaches that could reshape future medical governance worldwide .