GX Foundation donates mosquito killer lamps and rapid tests in protection against dengue fever to China and Hong Kong China Olympic delegations

In 2024, dengue fever outbreaks are happening globally, and cases are surging in Europe, including in France, the host country for the 2024 Olympics. The 2,800 imported cases reported in the first half of the year have already exceeded the previous annual record, making this a major public health concern. To protect our athletes from potential dengue fever infections during the Olympic, GX Foundation announced more than 200 mosquito killer lamps and more than 600 dengue fever rapid tests have been donated to the China and Hong Kong China Olympic delegations in Paris.

Increased risks of spreading dengue viruses are associated with large-scale events and climate change

The 2024 Paris Olympics are expected to kick off on 26th July and will become the most popular sports event this summer in France. In addition to millions of spectators, about 10,500 athletes, 20,000 journalists, and 45,000 volunteers will participate in the events. However, the excitement surrounding the Olympics is tempered by concerns over the potential spread of dengue fever in the region. Rising temperatures and increased human movement are expanding the habitats of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Furthermore, the fact that up to half of infected patients remain asymptomatic poses a significant challenge for public health departments. These factors are especially troubling, as there is currently no specific treatment or effective vaccine available to combat the dengue virus.

In order to ensure our athletes remain focused on the competition (both China Olympic Team and the Hong Kong China Olympic Team), GX Foundation donated more than 200 lamps and more than 600 sets of dengue fever rapid tests to the delegations. To reduce and prevent dengue fever from impacting the athletes, the Foundation also conducted a briefing on protection against dengue fever along with educational videos and posters to remind the athletes to stay vigilant against dengue fever.

Chairman of GX Foundation, LEUNG Chun-ying, said, “GX Foundation has carried out large-scale dengue fever prevention and control programs abroad in recent years. The programs launched in Timor-Leste, Honduras and the China-Laos Railway have yielded positive results. While cases in some countries doubled compared to last year, we notice that dengue fever is spreading rapidly. This has been one of the recurring public health concerns that everyone needs high vigilance and precautions, especially when traveling.”

Chairman LEUNG added, “The Foundation has decided to donate effective mosquito prevention and detection equipment to the China Olympic Delegations and Hong Kong China Olympic Delegations, to allow the athletes of both delegations to participate in the games in the best condition and strive for the best results, without worrying about dengue infection.” Finally, Chairman LEUNG wishes the athletes every success in the upcoming competitions and hopes they will bring glory to China and Hong Kong, China and themselves.

The General Administration of Sport of China has expressed gratitude for the suggestions provided by the GX Foundation regarding the control of dengue fever risks. The Administration stated that the Foundation's recommendations reflect their sincere care and strong support for the Chinese delegations participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The General Administration has committed to ensuring the implementation of the suggested measures, and believes these steps will serve as an important reference and provide great assistance in safeguarding the upcoming Olympic event.

President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Timothy FOK Tsun-ting expressed his gratitude towards the active support from GX Foundation. The donation of mosquito killer lamps and rapid tests, and the educational lectures provided to the delegation is effective to protect our athletes from the dengue virus. The athletes will be able to maintain optimal health and competition levels, enabling them to perform at their best and bring glory to our country and Hong Kong.