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An action plan was officially launched today (October 24) to reduce alcohol-related harm, combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhance the quality of life for the community.
Addressing the "Seminar on Alcohol and Health", the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said that the success of NCD prevention and control efforts hinges on effective promotion of healthy lifestyles and enabling people to make healthier choices in life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified alcohol use as the third leading risk factor for the global burden of disease. It is estimated to cause about 2.5 million deaths worldwide every year.
In Hong Kong, apart from recognising the importance of unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and smoking in causing major NCDs, alcohol use is another modifiable behavioural risk factor that has been designated as a priority area for action in the prevention and control of NCDs.
Upon review of international evidence, detailed examination of the local situation on alcohol use, and careful consideration and consultation of different stakeholders, the Working Group on Alcohol and Health, established under the Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, has drawn up the "Action Plan to Reduce Alcohol-related Harm in Hong Kong", which includes five priority areas, 10 recommendations and 17 specific actions. The Action Plan outlines the collaborative work to be taken by government bureaux and departments and relevant parties together to prevent and control alcohol-related harm in Hong Kong in the coming years.
"It is the combined result of appraisal of best practices and evidence, and the effort of stakeholders from many sectors," said the Chairman of the Working Group, Mr Patrick Ma.
The five priority areas are:
i) Generating an effective information system to understand the epidemiology of alcohol-related harm and providing advice and support on prevention and control of alcohol-related harm;
ii) Strengthening partnership and fostering engagement of all relevant stakeholders;
iii) Building the capacity and capability to prevent and control alcohol-related harm;
iv) Ensuring the health sector is responsive to the NCD challenges and improving the health-care system; and
v) Strengthening and developing supportive health promotion legislation
The seminar was organised by the Department of Health with the support of various stakeholders, including government bureaux and departments, non-government organisations, schools and universities, and "healthy city campaign", with the objectives of raising awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and calling for partnership from all relevant stakeholders. The seminar also served as an occasion to give recognition to work partners who have been actively engaged in the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm.
"With the implementation of the Action Plan, it is hoped that a sustainable environment to reduce alcohol-related harm will be created, the general public will be able to make informed choices about alcohol consumption, and the burden of alcohol-related harm can be reduced," the Director of Health, Dr P Y Lam, said.
More information on the Action Plan is available at the following website: www.change4health.gov.hk .
Ends/Monday, October 24, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:43
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