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The Government today (October 28) launched a strategic framework to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Hong Kong.
The framework, entitledˇ§Promoting Health in Hong Kong: A Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseasesˇ¨, was developed by the Department of Health with input from experts of various disciplines and making reference to the World Health Organisationˇ¦s guiding principles in disease prevention and health promotion. The framework document provides a common frame of reference for understanding the threat of NCD; and outlines the principles and key elements for implementation of the strategy to prevent and control NCD.
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow pointed out that the proportion of deaths due to NCD has increased to more than 60% in recent years. With an ageing population, the burden of NCD was expected to rise in the decades ahead. "If left uncontrolled, there will be significant health, social and economic impacts on our population," Dr Chow said.
ˇ§The overall goal of the strategy is to improve the health and quality of life of people in Hong Kong, which will in turn help lower their chance of having NCD."
To achieve the goal, six strategic directions have been identified for focusing the attention, resources and actions at areas in which investments in NCD prevention and control could bring the greatest return in terms of health outcomes. These are:
1) supporting new and strengthening existing health promotion and NCD prevention initiatives or activities that are in line with the strategy;
2) generating an effective information base and system to guide action across the disease pathway;
3) strengthening partnership and fostering engagement of all relevant stakeholders;
4) building capacity and capability to combat NCD;
5) ensuring a health sector that is responsive to the NCD challenges and to improve the system of care; and
6) strengthening and developing supportive health promoting legislation.
A high-level steering committee, chaired by Dr Chow and comprising representatives from the Government, public and private sectors, academia, professional bodies, relevant industries and other key partners, has been set up to deliberate on and oversee the overall roadmap for implementation.
ˇ§The successful implementation of the strategy requires stakeholders to work in close collaboration to create an environment that is conducive to healthy living,ˇ¨Dr Chow said.
A copy of the framework document can be found on the website of the Department of Health at http://www.dh.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:58
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