[Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease in humans. Between November 2002 and July 2003, an outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong nearly became a pandemic, with 8,422 cases and 916 deaths worldwide. Within weeks in early 2003, SARS spread from Hong Kong to infect individuals in 37 countries.]

Medical supplies from the mainland not only addressed Hong Kong's need for material resources, but also encouraged its people to fight against SARS, said the then-Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa.

At a ceremony in Shenzhen to receive medical supplies from the central government for the prevention of SARS on May 8, 2003, Tung briefed President Hu Jintao on Hong Kong's battle against SARS. Hu expressed his concern and stressed that the central government would provide full support to Hong Kong, including delivery of the best medical supplies and providing the strongest backup.

According to Tung, after he forwarded to the central government a request for protective outfits, face masks and goggles and the deployment of medical workers, the central government promptly agreed.

Premier Wen Jiabao specifically instructed that Hong Kong should be supplied with top quality medical supplies, and that all costs of such supplies and any future manpower support should be borne by the central government.

"Today, the first consignment of supplies has reached Hong Kong and will be put to immediate use to meet the needs of the people of Hong Kong," Tung said.

"It is with mixed feelings that I come to take possession of these supplies on behalf of Hong Kong," he said.

He said that the mainland compatriots were fighting an all-out battle against the same disease. Despite urgent demand for such supplies in the mainland, the central government has made this sincere and tangible gesture of support to Hong Kong.

"These supplies do not only address our need for material resources, they also boost our spirits, encouraging Hong Kong people to carry on a tenacious struggle against the disease. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all Hong Kong citizens, I express our most profound gratitude and respect," Tung said.

He said Hong Kong people will strive to further reduce the number of new infections and to eliminate cross-infections, thereby restoring normal conditions of life, work and social order as soon as possible.

"We shall repay the support of the central government and the mainland people with action and results," Tung said.

Health workers participate in a SARS outbreak drill in Hong Kong, Nov 19, 2004.

First batch of mainland medical supplies donated to Hong Kong

At the request of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, the central government promptly prepared medical materials and protective gear for the prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), including top quality protective outfits, gauze masks and goggles.

Then-Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said the central government attached great importance to the well-being and health of the people in Hong Kong. And it will go on giving its full support to Hong Kong and help the city win victory in the fight against the disease.

Tang said the central government approved the efforts of the HKSAR government to lead and unite the Hong Kong people to prevent and curb SARS.

He also expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the HKSAR government, the temporary difficulties brought about by the disease will be overcome by the Hong Kong people, and the city will maintain its vitality and achieve greater goals.