AGP Executive Report

Flu Prevention in Focus: Macau’s Health Bureau (SSM) says high-risk residents and some non-resident workers can get free flu jabs starting Tuesday, with 215,000 trivalent inactivated doses procured and delivered in batches; the updated 2026–2027 vaccine is expected to better match circulating strains. Mental Wellness at School: Melco and Fu Luen launched an “Invisible Bullying” 11-school theatre tour to help students spot less obvious bullying, understand psychological impacts, and learn where to seek support. Public Health & Safety: Judiciary Police are investigating a student injury at a northern district school after online claims of arson and a knife attack; police found no evidence of arson, and the case remains under investigation. Animal Welfare & Community Health: IAM will host “Animal Protection Fun Day” on Oct 4 with pet-friendly activities, a rabies vaccination service (free by appointment), and adoption-focused messaging aimed at wellbeing for both pets and people. Regional Health Policy Link: Macau’s economy and finance secretary Dora Ng briefed associations on Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan and how to seize Hengqin opportunities for “leapfrog” development.

Flu Prevention: Macau’s Health Bureau (SSM) says high-risk residents and some non-resident workers can get free flu jabs starting next Tuesday, with 215,000 trivalent inactivated doses procured and delivered in batches; the bureau also notes the 2026–2027 vaccine strain update and urges vaccination for pregnant women and other priority groups. Mental Wellness in Schools: Melco and Fu Luen launched an 11-school “Invisible Bullying” campus theatre tour to help students spot less visible bullying, understand its psychological impact, and learn how to seek support. Animal Welfare & Rabies Protection: IAM and 14 partners will hold “Animal Protection Fun Day” on Oct 4 at Praça do Tap Siac, featuring pet-friendly games, workshops, adoption info, and a free rabies vaccination service by appointment. Health & Safety Response: Judiciary Police are investigating a student injury case after online fake arson claims; police found no evidence of arson, while the Education bureau says it has provided support to the student and family. Cancer Care Spotlight: MSF will share experience delivering cancer care for women in humanitarian crises at the World Cancer Congress, stressing barriers to prevention, timely diagnosis, and treatment. Policy & Big Health: Dora Ng met association reps on Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan and Hengqin participation, highlighting efforts to seize Hengqin opportunities for “leapfrog” development.

Greater Bay Area medical safety: Hong Kong’s Department of Health joined a 2026 emergency drill in Guangzhou focused on medical products safety incidents, aiming to strengthen cross-border regulatory coordination with Guangdong and Macao’s Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau. Chinese medicine push: Hong Kong’s Secretary for Health Prof. Lo Chung-mau met NATCM leadership to align Chinese medicine development with national and local plans, including Hong Kong’s 2026–2030 framework. Cancer care spotlight: Prof. Lo also spoke at the World Cancer Congress 2026 plenary, highlighting Hong Kong’s cancer-control approach across prevention, early diagnosis, equitable treatment and research. Hospital community care: Public hospitals marked Mid-Autumn with patient-focused activities, including music and tailored treats for people with swallowing difficulties, reinforcing mental health support and carer engagement. Macau health-related update: Macau reported 1,832 notifiable disease cases in August, with flu cases dipping. Health tech/robotics (UM): Researchers at the University of Macau published a roadmap for embodied intelligence in insect-scale robots, a step toward more autonomous systems that could eventually support health-related applications.

Medical Safety in the GBA: Macau’s Department of Health joined a 2026 emergency drill in Guangzhou on medical products safety incidents, aiming to tighten cross-border regulatory cooperation with Guangdong and Hong Kong. Local Public Health Updates: The Health Bureau marked World Alzheimer’s Month with activities focused on early detection and dementia-friendly support, while also reporting 1,832 notifiable infectious disease cases in August—flu led the list and fell month-on-month. Healthcare Policy & Services: The Hospital Authority invited the public to observe its Sept 24 board meeting, covering the 2025-26 annual report, strategic priorities, and organ transplant team updates. TCM & “Big Health” Cooperation: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met the National Health Commission’s TCM director to discuss boosting Macau’s traditional Chinese medicine sector, alongside the 8th GBA TCM conference. Health Research & Treatment News: Everest Medicines shared new findings on how PSVT affects daily life between episodes, highlighting CARDAMYST(R) (etripamil) as a self-administered option for acute attacks. Community Health Awareness: World Marrow Donor Day saw 53 donors honoured, with a call for more people to register to help patients needing transplants.

Medical Safety in the GBA: Macau’s Department of Health joined a 2026 emergency drill in Guangzhou on medical products safety incidents involving Hong Kong and Macao, aiming to strengthen cross-border regulatory cooperation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. TCM & “Big Health” Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met National Health Commission and Traditional Chinese Medicine officials to deepen healthcare cooperation and support Macau’s TCM and big health industry, ahead of the 8th GBA TCM conference. Dementia Awareness: Macau’s Health Bureau rolled out World Alzheimer’s Month activities focused on earlier detection and care, including community movement events and dementia-friendly initiatives. Infectious Disease Watch: Macau reported 1,832 notifiable infectious disease cases in August; influenza led the list, while scarlet fever and salmonella saw notable month-on-month drops. Bone Marrow Donation Drive: World Marrow Donor Day saw 53 bone marrow donors honoured in Hong Kong, with Macau health officials attending and a call for more registrations. PSVT Treatment Access: Everest Medicines shared new quality-of-life findings for PSVT patients and highlighted CARDAMYST (etripamil) nasal spray as a rapid, at-home self-administered option approved in China in September 2026.

Macau Health Policy & TCM: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met National Health Commission Vice Minister Liu Jinfeng, also head of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to deepen healthcare cooperation and boost Macau’s TCM and “big health” sector ahead of the 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area TCM conference. Dementia Awareness: Macau’s Health Bureau rolled out World Alzheimer’s Month activities, pushing earlier detection and support for people with dementia through community events and a “Dementia-Friendly Alliance.” Infectious Disease Watch: Macau reported 1,832 notifiable disease cases in August; influenza led at 1,506, while flu, scarlet fever, and salmonella saw notable month-on-month drops. Clinical Research Milestone (Macau): Kiang Wu Hospital launched Macau’s first Phase III clinical trial of an innovative TCM drug, Tangning Tongluo Tablets, for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Mental Health Data (China): A Lancet study estimated China had 191.2 million prevalent mental disorder cases in 2023, renewing debate on rising psychological pressure. Public Health Community: World Marrow Donor Day saw 53 bone marrow donors honoured in Hong Kong, with Macau officials involved.

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Policy Links: Macau’s Secretary for Health Prof. Lo Chung-mau attended the 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area conference on TCM, focusing on inheritance, innovation, talent training and industry transformation, and tying discussions to regional development plans. Bone Marrow Awareness: World Marrow Donor Day saw 53 donors honoured, with health officials urging more people to register to help patients needing a match. Dementia Month Push: The Health Bureau rolled out World Alzheimer’s Month activities to boost early detection and support for people living with dementia, including community movement events and dementia-friendly alliance recruitment. Infectious Disease Watch: Macau reported 1,832 notifiable disease cases in August; influenza led the list, while flu, scarlet fever and salmonella saw notable month-on-month drops. Hospital Governance Open Door: Members of the public can observe the Hospital Authority Board Meeting on Sept 24, where topics include the annual report and organ transplant team updates. Local Clinical Research Milestone: Kiang Wu Hospital launched Macau’s first Phase III clinical trial for an innovative TCM drug, Tangning Tongluo Tablets, for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

World Alzheimer’s Month: Macau’s Health Bureau (SSM) is rolling out month-long activities to boost awareness of early dementia detection, diagnosis and treatment, including a “Let’s Get Moving to Start a Happy Later Life” programme for elderly people, people with dementia and families, plus new promotional materials on early symptoms; Infectious Disease Watch: SSM reported 1,832 notifiable infectious disease cases in August, with influenza still the top category (1,506), though flu, scarlet fever and salmonella all fell month-on-month; Panda Health & Quarantine: Macau’s giant panda twins “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” will enter quarantine from 9 October and won’t be on public display, before heading to Chengdu in early November, with simulated transport training already underway; Clinical Research in Focus: Kiang Wu Hospital launched Macau’s first Phase III clinical trial of an innovative TCM drug, Tangning Tongluo Tablets, for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy; Public Health & Lifestyle: A Macau study highlighted rising childhood obesity (7.5% obese, 11% overweight) and another local project links problematic internet use among healthcare students to depression via sleep quality; GBA TCM Collaboration: Macau’s Secretary for Health will lead a delegation to the 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area conference on TCM inheritance and innovation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Focus: Macau’s Health Secretary Prof. Lo Chung-mau will lead a delegation to the 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area conference on TCM, aiming to boost inheritance, innovation, talent training and cross-border industry projects. Local Clinical Research: Kiang Wu Hospital launched Macau’s first Phase III trial of an innovative TCM drug, Tangning Tongluo Tablets, for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy—described as a milestone for local clinical research and TCM development. Public Health & Wellness: A Macau University of Science and Technology study reports that low-arousal, calmer music can nudge healthier food choices, with real canteen sales and simulated settings both showing improved healthy selection. Child Health Watch: Macau Business Magazine highlights local research on childhood obesity and problematic internet use among healthcare students, linking obesity to chronic inflammation and pointing to sleep quality as a potential lever against depression. Policy Engagement: Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam met local associations to gather input for the 2027 Policy Address, including ageing support, vulnerable groups, education and birth-rate measures. Sports & Community: LCSD announced free access to many leisure and cultural facilities on Oct 1 for China’s National Day, plus Asian Games “Sports Fun For All” focal-site activities. Health-Adjacent Safety: Hong Kong customs reported a major tobacco and e-cigarette trafficking crackdown involving referrals to Macau’s Health Bureau for follow-up.

Clinical Research in Macau: Kiang Wu Hospital launched Macau’s first Phase III trial of an innovative TCM drug, Tangning Tongluo Tablets, for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy—highlighted as a milestone for local clinical research and the TCM industry, with Phase III work running in Macau alongside mainland China. New Drug Trial Results: Cue Biopharma reported positive topline Phase 2 results for CUE-221 in chronic spontaneous urticaria, saying endpoints were met with a favorable safety profile and a differentiated efficacy pattern vs omalizumab. Public Health & Prevention: Hong Kong is investigating a locally acquired chikungunya case and urged mosquito control and bite prevention; separate reports also note officials rolling out mosquito alert measures after an ovitrap index hit 64%. Wellness & Lifestyle: Macau University of Science and Technology research suggests low-arousal, calmer music can nudge healthier food choices, with a real canteen test showing higher healthy-item sales during calm-music days. Community Health Context: A Macau Business Magazine feature flags rising childhood obesity (7.5% obese) and links problematic internet use to depression risk via sleep quality among healthcare students.

New Drug Results: Cue Biopharma reported positive Phase 2 topline results for CUE-221 (UB-221) in China for chronic spontaneous urticaria, meeting primary and key secondary endpoints with a favorable safety profile and a differentiated efficacy pattern versus omalizumab. Child Health Watch: A Kiang Wu Hospital study flags rising childhood obesity in Macau (7.5% obese, 11% overweight), warning of longer-term cardiovascular, respiratory, concentration and sleep impacts. Screen Time & Mental Health: Macau-focused research on healthcare students links problematic internet use to depression, with insomnia playing a mediating role—suggesting sleep support could help. Community Wellbeing & Tourism Work: A Macau tourism piece argues employee wellbeing matters behind visitor numbers, tying staff health to service quality and retention. Food & Mood for Better Choices: Macau University of Science and Technology research suggests calm, low-arousal music can nudge healthier food choices in canteens and simulated settings. Local Care Capacity: Macao Union Hospital marked its second anniversary, highlighting expanded expert support and focus areas from pancreatic to rare diseases. Cross-border Health Access: A Hengqin survey found high satisfaction among Macau families with healthcare and other services, with consumer convenience nearing 90%. Public Health Alert (HK): Hong Kong is investigating a locally acquired chikungunya case and urges mosquito bite prevention and breeding-site control.

Macau Public Health: Macao Union Hospital marked its second anniversary with a health forum, and the government set a goal for the Peking Union Medical College Hospital complex to handle 25% of Macau’s public healthcare volume by end-2027, with better patient triage and deeper links with other local hospitals. Child Health & Screen Time: A Macau Business special report highlights rising childhood obesity (7.5% obese, 11% overweight) and warns obesity can affect cardiovascular and respiratory health, while another study flags depression among healthcare students linked to problematic internet use and suggests improving sleep quality may help. Healthy Eating Research: Macau University of Science and Technology research found low-arousal, calmer music can nudge people toward healthier food choices in both a real canteen and simulated settings. Cross-border Wellness Services: In Hengqin, a survey reports Macau families’ satisfaction with healthcare and other services topping 75%, with consumer and convenience services nearing 90%. Local Health Policy & Access: Macau also opened its first offline government service station on the mainland in Hengqin, including pharmaceutical administration services, aiming to cut time and travel for residents.

Macau Public Health & Care: Macao Union Hospital marked its second anniversary, with the government setting a goal for the Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital to handle 25% of public healthcare volume by end-2027, including better patient triage and closer links with other hospitals. Child Health & Screen Use: A Macau Business Magazine special report highlights rising childhood obesity (7.5% obese, 11% overweight) and warns that internet-heavy habits can worsen depression among healthcare students, with sleep quality flagged as a key lever. Healthy Eating Research: Macau University of Science and Technology researchers found calm, low-arousal music can nudge people toward healthier choices in both a real canteen and simulated restaurant settings. Cross-border Services in Hengqin: Macau opened its first offline government service station on the mainland in Hengqin, bringing identity, tax, IP and pharmaceutical administration closer to residents and businesses. Alzheimer’s & Cancer Support: FWD Care in Hong Kong upgraded services with early Alzheimer’s detection support, expanded cancer second opinions, and a palliative care referral pathway. Tourism & Wellness Tech: Fooyo signed a Macau tourism MOU to explore AI tools for destination marketing, including AI-generated video and creator training.

Pharma Push: China unveiled a 2026-30 plan to grow its pharmaceutical industry, targeting 3.5 trillion yuan in annual revenue by 2030 and pushing frontier treatments like gene editing, cell therapies and AI-designed drugs. Public Health Watch: Hong Kong is investigating a locally acquired chikungunya fever case in a 55-year-old woman, urging mosquito bite prevention and removal of breeding sites. Macao Healthcare Capacity: Macao Union Hospital marked its 2nd anniversary, with the government aiming for it to handle 25% of Macau’s public medical service by end-2027, expanding triage and collaboration. Cross-Border Services in Hengqin: Macau opened its first staffed government service counters on the mainland in Hengqin, offering 63 services from four Macau departments to cut travel time and cost. Hengqin Living Satisfaction: A survey of Macau families in Hengqin found satisfaction with healthcare and other services mostly above 75%, with convenience services nearing 90%. Community Spending: Macao launched a 10-week voucher campaign starting Oct 9, designed to boost local consumption and support SMEs. MIF Big Health Focus: The 31st Macao International Trade & Investment Fair adds a Spanish-speaking countries pavilion and highlights a “big health” zone for TCM and health businesses.

Cross-border health planning: Hong Kong’s first five-year plan (2026-2030) says it will align Greater Bay Area rules and mechanisms, including the “alignment of healthcare services and regulatory frameworks,” alongside cross-boundary rail and intelligent computing build-out. Local hospital capacity: Macao Union Hospital marked its 2nd anniversary, with the government aiming for it to handle 25% of Macau’s public medical service by end-2027, including better patient triage and deeper collaboration with other hospitals. Public health alerts: Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating a locally acquired chikungunya fever case and urges mosquito control and personal protection. Infectious disease watch: CHP also reported two confirmed mpox cases and urged high-risk groups to get vaccinated and avoid close contact with suspected cases. Hengqin living survey: A survey of Macau families in Hengqin found satisfaction with government services, healthcare, education, transport and daily environment all above 75%, with convenience services nearing 90%. Education & wellness tech: DSEDJ will roll out AI education across all school stages, while UTM’s Hengqin campus plans more interdisciplinary programs including technology-empowered tourism and wellness/health care. Macao health services access: Macau opened staffed public service counters in Hengqin, adding 63 services from four Macau departments, including pharmaceutical administration.

Public Health Alert: Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection is investigating a locally acquired chikungunya fever case in Tai Kok Tsui (a 55-year-old woman). She developed fever, headache and joint pain on Sept 7, later a rash, and tested positive after admission to Queen Elizabeth Hospital; CHP says there’s no travel history during the likely incubation period and urges mosquito bite prevention and removing breeding sites. Macao Healthcare Milestone: Macao Union Hospital marked its 2nd anniversary, with the government aiming for it to handle 25% of Macau’s public medical service by end-2027, including better patient triage and closer collaboration with other hospitals. Cross-border Health Access: Hengqin has opened staffed service counters for Macau public administration services, including pharmaceutical administration, to reduce the need for residents to travel back to Macau for certain procedures. Wellness & Care Services: FWD Hong Kong upgraded FWD Care with added support such as complimentary Alzheimer’s early detection, expanded cancer second opinions, and palliative care referrals via partners. Event & Community: BEYOND Expo rebrands and returns to The Venetian Macao on May 26–29, 2027, positioning itself as a major innovation and entrepreneurship platform.