The unmet provision of allergy services in Hong Kong impairs capability for allergy prevention – implications for the Asia Pacific region

Abstract

There is a high and rising prevalence of many allergic diseases in the Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong, which is unmatched by a commensurate provision of clinical allergy services. In the last 3 years, the allergy profile in Hong Kong has increased due to greater public engagement and more frequent educational activities, scientific outputs and publication of local guidelines on allergy prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Two new drug allergy clinics have been established in public hospitals, and for the first time in 20 years, Hong Kong has its first trainee in adult allergy. The current ratio of allergists per head of population has improved slightly from 1:1.46 (in 2014) to 1:1.17 million, but it is still low compared to many countries. The Hong Kong community is well supported by allergy-related professional societies and patient organisations. While the recent developments indicated some progress, Hong Kong remains inadequately equipped to take advantage of the new discoveries that may prevent allergic diseases and improve public health. There are also 5-fold more paediatric allergists than adult allergists per head of population. If this unbalance remains uncorrected, continuing care for allergic children as they grow into adulthood will be an increasing problem. This review provides recommendations to improve allergy service provision and training, including the creation of Centres of Excellence in allergy to drive the growth of this specialty.

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