Speech by SFH at opening ceremony of Health Promotion Symposium cum Central Health Education Unit 40th Anniversary Celebration (English only) (with photos)
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Chief Secretary, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am very honoured and delighted to be here with all of you today to witness the launching of our new "Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-communicable Diseases in Hong Kong" and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Central Health Education Unit of the Department of Health.
In Hong Kong, five major non-communicable diseases or NCDs accounted for about 55 per cent of all registered deaths in 2016. These diseases include heart diseases, stroke, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. The Population Health Survey conducted by the Department of Health also found that among the local population aged 15 to 84, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and high blood cholesterol amounted to about 28 per cent, 8 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. It is estimated that at the prime age of 40, about half of all local adults suffer from and would require treatment and counselling for at least one of the conditions mentioned above. If nothing is done about it, by the usual retirement age of 65, about 10 per cent of individuals will suffer from all three conditions, causing a huge burden to our healthcare system.
While some of the WHO-recommended interventions against NCDs have been implemented locally - and the Department of Health is working very hard on these - it is obvious that there is a pressing need to introduce a more co-ordinated and cross-sectoral approach in preventing and controlling NCDs.
As announced by the Chief Secretary just now, the Government has endorsed nine voluntary NCD targets set for Hong Kong and comprehensive strategies and actions as we move towards 2025. These nine targets aim to achieve substantial reduction in the risk of premature mortality resulting from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases; reduction in binge drinking and harmful use of alcohol as well as daily intake of salt or sodium and tobacco use. We shall also aim to encourage more physical activity and contain the prevalence of raised blood pressure, diabetes and obesity; prevent heart attacks and strokes through drug therapy and counselling; and improve the availability of affordable basic technologies and essential medicines to treat NCDs. All in all, our overall objective is to promote healthy life through less alcohol, less salt and sugar, less tobacco and more exercise. Of course, the long term target is to be alcohol-free and tobacco-free.
To achieve each of these nine targets, we will implement specific programmes falling within five key areas which fit the acronym "HeALTH", namely "He" stands for Healthy Start, "A" stands for Alcohol Free, "L" stands for Live well and Be Active, "T" stands for Tobacco Free and "H" stands for Healthy Diet. While the Government will take a leading role in helping people adopt healthy lifestyles, intersectoral collaboration is of crucial importance in the prevention and control of NCDs. In this connection, I would like to call upon the support of all of you to help achieve these life-important targets.
As the Chairperson of the Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of NCD, I would like to thank all Members who have contributed their knowledge, expertise and precious time in drawing up the strategies. The Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health and the Steering Committee will closely monitor and review progress of the strategies to combat NCDs. Equally important, we shall keep in view global, regional and local developments and emerging evidence of strategies that should be considered for introduction or adoption in the light of changing, not only health, but also social and environmental circumstances.
Other key initiatives the Food and Health Bureau is also working towards for preventing, controlling and managing NCDs include primary healthcare.
Before I close, may I extend my congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the Central Health Education Unit of the Department of Health. Since its establishment in 1978, the Unit has played a leading role in the promotion of health in the community, as well as formulating and implementing evidence-based strategies on various important health subjects. Their continuous efforts for combating NCDs are truly commendable. It is also an excellent resource centre for various sectors in the community that are engaging in healthcare professional work. Ladies and gentlemen, the symposium today provides an excellent platform for collaboration and concerted efforts to move forward our goal in reducing NCDs. May I wish the symposium a great success and all of us a healthy and happy life.
Thank you.
Ends/Friday, May 4, 2018
Issued at HKT 12:55
Issued at HKT 12:55
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