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The Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI) proudly celebrated a significant milestone today (17 October) with the unveiling of its headquarters and a cutting-edge joint laboratory with the University of Cambridge (UCAM) located at the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed). This landmark event embodies HKJCGHI’s mission to advance global health through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, for a powerful international impact.

The commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests including  Dr Ronald Lam, the Director of Health, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Dr Henry Chan, Steward, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor, the University of Hong Kong (HKU); and Mr Wong Yan-lung, Deputy Chairman, The Friends of Cambridge University in Hong Kong. Also present during the celebration were senior representatives from HKU, UCAM, and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI).

During the ceremony, Dr Cecilia Fan Yuen-man, Acting Secretary for Health, the Government of the HKSAR remarked, ‘The Government of the HKSAR has all along remained highly vigilant against emerging epidemics to safeguard our community. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute, which shares our objectives, has been a beacon of international collaboration since its establishment last year. Its mission will be achieved not only through cutting-edge vaccine research projects, but also by nurturing the next generation of global health experts who will lead our defence for decades to come.’

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Club Steward Dr Henry Chan said the HKJCGHI will advance vaccine research, development and implementation. This will synergise with the Club’s support for the Government of the HKSAR’s epidemic preparedness measures, building on the work of the Centre for Health Protection, which was established with Club funding following SARS.  

‘HKU is honoured to be part of this important milestone,’ said Professor Xiang Zhang. ‘The new HKJCGHI headquarters will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, driving breakthroughs that benefit both our local community and the world.’

Pioneering research: The joint laboratory’s ambitious focus
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the joint laboratory will focus on characterising immune responses to vaccines developed by the Institute, while also supporting broader research initiatives in vaccine development. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque symbolised the HKJCGHI’s commitment to fostering vaccine research, capacity building, and impactful partnerships.

New initiatives: Strengthening global health systems
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the HKJCGHI announced several new initiatives aimed at strengthening global health systems and capacities. These include arbovirus surveillance, particularly for chikungunya and dengue viruses, at selected sites in Africa, including Madagascar. This builds upon the IVI’s extensive network and longstanding working relationships with sites across the continent. A vector-borne diseases research laboratory will be established at the HKJCGHI in Hong Kong, China.

Building capacity: Empowering healthcare professionals in Africa
The HKJCGHI will support capacity building for healthcare professionals in francophone Africa through the establishment of a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) programme at the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, fostering regional leadership and knowledge exchange in global health.

Collaboration for the future: Enhancing local and global partnerships
The Institute also plans to collaborate with the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health of the Government of the HKSAR, to advance ongoing risk assessments on emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases, leveraging the vector-borne diseases research laboratory to further strengthen public health preparedness.

About the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI) is a partnership between The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the University of Cambridge (UCAM), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). Established on 1 March 2024, with generous support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Institute aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness through vaccine research, development, and implementation. The HKJCGHI leverages the IVI’s global field sites and vaccine expertise, HKU’s leadership in virology and epidemiology, and UCAM’s strength in optimising human immune responses. It unites world-leading scientists to foster collaboration and innovation in vaccine research and trains future global health leaders. More at https://www.hkjcghi.org/.

Media enquiries
Please contact LKS Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong by email (medmedia@hku.hk).