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Over 400 health-care practitioners, academics and representatives from government departments, non-governmental organisations and community organisations gathered at the Health Promotion Symposium 2011 held by the Food and Health Bureau today (November 18) to share experiences, professional knowledge and views on strategies to create a health-promoting environment and help people change their individual behavioural habits, thereby reducing the risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
The theme of this year's symposium was entitled "From Awareness to Action: Cross-sector Partnerships for Healthy Environment and Healthy People", which corresponds with the key theme of the United Nations' High-Level Meeting this year to fight non-communicable diseases. Addressing the symposium opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Health), Mr Richard Yuen, said the United Nations has recognised non-communicable diseases as a global problem requiring immediate attention and posing challenges to economic development and various aspects of society.
"Many non-communicable diseases are the result of bad living habits, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive drinking. Moreover, Hong Kong is particularly at risk from non-communicable diseases, due to its high population density, ageing population and fast pace of life," Mr Yuen said.
"As such, concerted efforts of the Government and the community are needed to develop a health-promoting environment and to help our people change their individual behavioural habits, thereby reducing the risk factors for non-communicable diseases."
Mr Yuen said the Health Care and Promotion Fund under the Food and Health Bureau has all along played a crucial role in health promotion and disease prevention. Since its inception in 1995, the Fund has aimed to provide financial support to non-profit organisations to carry out health promotion activities that raise health awareness and advocate healthy lifestyles in the community. To date, the Fund has supported over 250 activities.
The symposium today served as a sharing platform for people who are dedicated to health promotion. It brought together eight guest speakers and some 60 participating units to share their unique experiences in creating healthy environments and fostering community empowerment. An internationally renowned expert, Emeritus Professor Robert Beaglehole from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, was also invited to deliver a keynote speech entitled "Global Challenges and Strategies for Health Promotion" to share new strategies and challenges for health promotion.
In addition, 10 awards were presented in recognition of outstanding plans for health promotion. The awards presented were as follows:
1. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Anti-Smoking) Award: Professor Sophia Chan
2. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Anti-Smoking) Award: Dr Joyce Tang
3. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Healthy School) Award: Ms Mandy Ho
4. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Healthy School) Award: Mr Leslie Chan
5. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Healthy School) Award: Ms Esther Mok
6. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Mental Well-being) Award: Ms Regina Cheung
7. Outstanding Health Promotion Project (Mental Well-being) Award: Ms Anchor Hung
8. The Most Active Participation Award: Mrs Helina Yuk
9. The Most Outstanding Capacity Building Award: Professor Albert Lee
10. The Most Outstanding Community Partnership Award: Dr Chow Chun-bong
Ends/Friday, November 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:44
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