Strength in numbers: The multi-sector, action-oriented campaign Operation UNITE has been launched to pool people together in the fight against atypical pneumonia.

Hong Kong people should band together as one to fight against atypical pneumonia, and a multi-sector, action-oriented campaign - Operation UNITE - will help boost solidarity and morale in Hong Kong to face the challenge.

This was the message from Rosanna Wong, convenor of the campaign's steering committee.

Launching the campaign today, Ms Wong said the outbreak has adversely affected almost everyone in the community.

"In difficult times like these, all the more it is important for Hong Kong people to continue to live their lives and fight against hardship," she said.

"Through Operation UNITE, we hope to encourage care and appreciation, a sense of action, as well as a positive attitude. We believe in unity of strength and that together we can overcome the crisis."

The committee, formed by community leaders from different sectors and media representatives, will launch the first series of the programmes under the main theme "United we CAN" over the Easter holiday.

The programme covers activities such as distribution of hygiene kits to the vulnerable and needy, prayer sessions on Easter Sunday involving different religious groups, visits to 2,000 elderly living alone and those suffering from chronic illnesses by 6,000 volunteers.

It also includes a Hong Kong-wide cleansing operation on April 19 and 20, which will be spearheaded by the Government and district offices, the setting up of an expert panel from the public health sector to advise on and formulate policies in this area, and launching of public education programmes to arouse public awareness of good hygiene practices.

The programme has a theme song specially produced to capture the spirit of the campaign and to boost public morale. Six Hong Kong electronic media organisations will support the initiative via a 36-hour marathon broadcasting on April 19 and 20.

More details of the campaign will be available at RTHK's website from April 17.

To sustain the effort, fund raising activities involving the public and business sectors will be organised. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has agreed to sponsor the campaign on a matching basis with donations raised from the community. Unused funds will be donated to the Community Chest.

A Community Chest donation hotline 187 2332 will be set up on April 19 and 20 from 8am to 11pm.

Alternatively, the public may donate funds to the bank account of The Community Chest of Hong Kong �V Operation UNITE Fund via the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China (Hong Kong).