Bulletin Spring‧Summer, 2008

O n 12 May 2008 a devastating earthquake measuring eight on the Richter scale hit Sichuan, rocking the province and reducing buildings to rubble. The whole nation was shocked and saddened by the widespread damage and tremendous loss of lives. Right after the quake, Prof. Lawrence J. Lau, Vice Chancellor of the University, appealed to all CUHK members to donate for earthquake relief in an open letter. A bank account was set up for the purpose and HK$1.28 million was received within two weeks. A website ( www.cuhk.edu.hk/iso/chinaearthquake/en/index . html ) was set up to give the University community updates on the relief efforts of CUHK members. In addition to monetary assistance, members of the University devoted themselves to helping the victims. On 15 May, Prof. Leung Kwok-sui, Professor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, flew to Chengdu with the initial assessment team of the Hospital Authority. They assessed the needs of West China Hospital for further emergency deployment, and Prof. Leung operated on the victims. Prof. Chan Ying-yang Emily ( top , masked), assistant professor at the School of Public Health, left for Sichuan hard on the heels of Prof. Leung. She flew there with Médecins Sans Frontières on 16 May to take part in frontline emergency medical relief. Upon return in June, together with Prof. Lau Tak-fai Joseph of the school, she went with a CUHK team to conduct field- based research on the medical and mental health issues faced by the earthquake affected population. The study results will be disseminated to stakeholders and collaborating partners in China. The goal is help design appropriate interventions for long-term relief and rehabilitation programmes as well as to support emergency preparedness for reducing morbidity and mortality occasioned by natural disasters in China. Prof. Leung Ping-chung ( bottom , 1st left), director of the Institute of Chinese Medicine, left for Sichuan on 22 May, leading a medical team called 'Operation Concern', which he had founded with the aim of providing treatment and care to people with disabilities in remote mountainous regions of China. As requested by hospitals in Sichuan, they brought along Earthquake Relief Efforts   31