Health International Healthcare (03886) and Pfizer Hong Kong carry out respiratory health education and donate pneumonia vaccine to benefit disadvantaged communities

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on December 11, 2025, Health International Healthcare (03886) joined hands with Pfizer Hong Kong to promote respiratory health education for all. Kangjian International Healthcare donated a batch of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (manufacturer: Pfizer) through the Health Charitable Foundation to serve disadvantaged communities served by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. The medical community collaborated to practice community health protection.

Health Care and Pfizer Hong Kong responded positively to the Hong Kong Medical and Health Council's “Primary Health Care Blueprint” to jointly carry out national respiratory health education to help shift the public's health concept from “treatment-based” to “preventation-oriented”. At the same time, Health Care will facilitate the public's easier access to the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine through a large network of medical centres throughout Hong Kong. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals will also act as key community partners to properly distribute the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine donated by the Health and Health Charitable Foundation to accurately identify suitable beneficiaries for vaccination at its service units. Health Care, Pfizer Hong Kong and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals will work closely to reduce the burden of disease among disadvantaged groups and improve the overall health of the community.

Mr Choi Kam Cheung, Chairman and CEO of Health Healthcare; Dr. GBS, JP (center); Dr. Gu Song, Deputy Medical Director (third from right); Mr Wong Yu, Executive Director of HealthCare (second from right); Ms Cheung Siu-suet, Executive Director of Health Healthcare (first from left); Dr. Wong Kam Cheung (third from left), Head of Primary Care Business and Head of Operations at Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau (fourth from right); Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau Strategy Partner Mr. Kwong Tsz-leung (second from left) and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Tan Jianbiao Lee Wai Kew Medical Centre ( (North Point) Dr. Chen Li in charge (fourth from left)

Mr Choi Ka-chan, Chairman and CEO of Health Healthcare, GBS, JP, said that pneumococcal infections pose a threat to public health in Hong Kong, particularly affecting the elderly and disadvantaged groups, and that there is no time to delay respiratory health education for all. To this end, Health Care introduced the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, so that citizens can get extensive protection against 20 serotypes by getting a single dose. He said that Health Care donates vaccines to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals through the Health Charitable Foundation to promote medical and social collaboration to care for disadvantaged communities through practical actions. Mr. Chen Mingang, head of Pfizer's primary care business and head of operations in Hong Kong and Macau, pointed out that pneumococcal disease poses a medical burden on Hong Kong society. He is convinced that the public needs full serotype protection, and hopes to raise public awareness about pneumococcal disease through cooperation. Dr. Chen Li, head of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Tan Jianbiao Lee Wai Kew Medical Center (North Point), thanked Health Healthcare and Pfizer Hong Kong for their investment in community health. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals is honored to be community partners and promised to properly use vaccines donated by the Health and Wellness Charity Fund to accurately help disadvantaged communities in need.

Ku Song, Deputy Medical Director of Health Care, pointed out for the doctor that according to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, pneumonia is the second biggest killer in Hong Kong. In 2024, pneumonia caused more than 11,000 deaths in Hong Kong, second only to cancer, and more deadly than heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Pneumococcus is a common causative agent of pneumonia. There are more than 100 known pneumococcal serotypes. Pneumococcal vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent pneumococcal disease. Dr. Wong Kam-cheung, a specialist in respiratory medicine, said that pneumococci are spread by droplets or contact, and the incubation period is short (about 1-3 days). The initial symptoms of pneumonia caused by it, such as fever and cough, are similar to influenza, which is easy to misdiagnose, and may be infected at the same time as influenza, increasing the complexity of diagnosis and treatment. Pneumococcus can cause minor diseases such as otitis media and sinusitis, but for high-risk groups, it may cause serious diseases such as invasive pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis, or meningitis. The condition can worsen dramatically and endanger lives. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method and can significantly reduce the risk of invasive infections and severe illness. Studies have also shown that it helps high-risk individuals reduce the risk of heart disease. Although treatment is mainly antibiotics, drug resistance makes treatment more challenging; he reiterated that “prevention is better than cure” is particularly critical to dealing with pneumococcal infections.