U.S. withdrawal opens door for Hong Kong to supply humanitarian aid, suggests non-governmental organization expert

In an interview with The Post last month, Dr. Maria Guevara, a key member of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), visited Hong Kong and shared her insights on the city's role in international aid.

Dr. Guevara, a doctor trained in pulmonary and critical care medicine with over 20 years of experience in humanitarian work, described the current situation of international aid efforts as "challenging". However, she praised Hong Kong for its potential to contribute significantly to these efforts.

Hong Kong, she stated, can support the global community by providing resources such as human resources, financial resources, expertise, research, innovation, and technology. The city's collaboration with global partners, particularly in research fields such as climate change and emerging infectious diseases, is commendable, according to Dr. Guevara.

Notably, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is already engaged in such collaborations, working alongside global partners in the aforementioned research fields.

The focus of these collaborations is crucial, given the current global landscape. The United States has recently cut funding for its global humanitarian programs, creating a "domino effect" affecting other organizations. Dr. Guevara emphasised the importance of these collaborations, stating that they are vital for securing the health of the global community, and by extension, Hong Kong's health.

In her interview, Dr. Guevara also emphasised the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of the world. She called for more collaborations between Hong Kong's universities and global partners, stressing that such collaborations could help ensure good health systems and controls for the global community.

Dr. Guevara's visit to Hong Kong serves as a reminder of the city's capacity to support international aid efforts and its role in ensuring the health and well-being of the global community. Her call for more collaborations highlights the potential for Hong Kong to make a significant impact in the face of the current challenges in global aid.