Dr. Erasmus Morah and his delegation from UNAIDS, China on last Friday (15th November 2024). Organized on short notice, this visit was a testament to the agility and efficiency of our team and provided a significant platform to align with global health initiatives.
Overview and Background
The primary purpose of this Courtesy Call was to discuss two new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with China in 2024, marking a pivotal step in our collaborative efforts. This meeting underscored our strategic positioning and commitment in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the vital role we play in these international partnerships.
Luncheon Discussion
The discussions began with a luncheon hosted by Dr. Leong and attended by our esteemed Board Member Prof. Chen Zhiwei. During this session, Dr. Morah presented the new MOUs and outlined UNAIDS's strategic plans moving forward. We took this opportunity to share our Fundation’s mission and vision, showcasing how our objectives support and enhance the goals set forth in the MOUs. The dialogue was both engaging and enlightening, setting a collaborative tone for the remainder of the visit.
Visit of the Shau Kei Wan Headquarters
Following the luncheon, Dr. Wilson Lam led a detailed visit of our Shau Kei Wan headquarters. He led our team to present an overview of the Foundation's operations, emphasizing our efforts to expand global and national partnerships. Dr. Lam highlighted specific projects and initiatives that demonstrate our Foundation's significant impact within the community and our extensive network collaborations, especially with Mainland China.
Key Highlights
- Volunteer Leadership Sharing Session: A highlight of the visit was the session where Dr. Morah met with our volunteer leaders. This meeting was not only a forum for our volunteers to showcase their passion and commitment but also allowed them to receive strategic guidance from Dr. Morah. The exchange provided valuable insights into enhancing our advocacy and outreach efforts, which are crucial for our ongoing success.
- Patient Group Activity: Dr. Morah also took part in an engaging activity with our PLHIV members, where they created traditional artwork from red pocket envelopes. This session provided Dr. Morah with a direct opportunity to connect with our members and understand their overall situations and specific needs. It also showcased how the "95-95-95" UNAIDS targets could potentially be implemented within Hong Kong. The activity emphasized our innovative approach to integrating cultural heritage into our support programmes, which left a lasting impression on the delegation.
Presentation of Souvenirs and Group Photos
The visit concluded with the presentation of handmade souvenirs, crafted from red pocket envelopes, symbolizing eternal friendship and well-wishes for health and prosperity. We captured these moments of shared commitment with a group photo, creating lasting memories of our collaboration.
Feedback from UNAIDS
The feedback from the UNAIDS delegation was exceptionally positive. Dr. Morah expressed gratitude for our thorough organization and the depth of interactions during the visit. Their appreciation was further highlighted in a post on their official social media platform, X. This recognition can be viewed here: UNAIDS Post on X
Acknowledgments
Our thanks go to Dr. Leong for his guidance during the visit, to Prof. Chen Zhiwei for his invaluable contributions at the luncheon, and to Dr. Wilson Lam for his exemplary leadership and flexibility in adjusting his work schedule. Their efforts were crucial to the success of this important event.
Conclusion
This visit has not only reinforced our international relationships but has also invigorated our team, affirming our Foundational role in the global health landscape. We eagerly anticipate building on this momentum to further our mission.