(Hong Kong, 15 May2012) The International Association of Chinese Allergists and Immunologists (IACAI) have echoed to the call from the Hong Kong Allergy Association (Allergy HK) to provide professional and scientific support to help patients and families in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a population of 7 million and there are over 30 million travelers who visit from all over the world annually.. Hong Kong is in the same epidemiological situation as other developed countries in that the prevalence of allergy, including conditions such as rhinitis, eczema, food allergy and asthma, is high and on the rise. Yet the resources in terms of medical services, social awareness, education and scientific research are extremely scarce.

Frank Wong, Chairman of Allergy HK, said that the association was really delighted and privileged to have IACAI backing Allergy HK. “Our education and supporting work needs to be scientific evidence based; it is important that our content and messages are provided for and supported by a professional organization like IACAI.” said Frank.

The President of IACAI, Professor Christopher Chang is also an advisor to Allergy HK. Dr. Chang states, “Allergy HK has done a wonderful job since its inception a few years ago in developing patient education and support forums and striving to improve availability of resources and treatment options to Hong Kong patients with allergies. IACAI is glad to be able to provide the scientific and professional support to an organization with patient well-being as its primary objective.”

The International Association of Chinese Allergists and Immunologists is a non-profit medical and scientific organization whose vision is to facilitate cooperation between Chinese allergists and immunologists worldwide. IACAI aims to advance medical specialty of allergy and immunology in order to optimize and improve the care of patients with allergy and/or immunological disorders.