In support of World Stroke Day, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 29) appealed to members of the public to deepen their understanding of the causes and symptoms of stroke in order to prevent stroke and seek prompt medical attention as appropriate. The Government long been adopting a life-course health promotion strategy to promote health, including encouraging the public of different age groups and health statuses to adopt a healthy lifestyle encompassing healthy eating, being physically active, and refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption to guard against non-communicable diseases including stroke. Through the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CDCC) Pilot Scheme, the Government actively promotes convenient screening services for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT), and blood lipid testing to achieve full coverage of the "three highs".
      
     "Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Globally, one in four adults over the age of 25 will suffer from stroke at some point in their lifetime, and it is not limited to the elderly. Around 60 per cent of strokes occur in individuals under the age of 70, and 16 per cent occur before the age of 50. Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in Hong Kong, with 2 911 registered deaths (provisional figure) last year. Among them, 7.7 per cent were people aged 55 or below. The theme for World Stroke Day 2025 is 'Every Minute Counts'. Time is critical in treating stroke. The sooner you recognise stroke symptoms in yourself or others, and the sooner the patient receives treatment, the better the outcome," said the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui.
 
　　Members of the public should remember the warning signs of stroke and act "FAST":

• face drooping: asymmetrical facial expressions;
• arm weakness: limb weakness on one side of the body;
• speech difficulties: difficulties in communicating with others; and
• time: call for immediate medical assistance to save lives.

 
　　Dr Tsui reminded the public that up to 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented through adherence to a healthy lifestyle and proper management of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22, among those with hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, 41 per cent, 36 per cent and 70 per cent of the patients respectively were not aware of their conditions until attending the health examination provided under the survey.
 
     The Primary Healthcare Commission promotes the Life Course Preventive Care Plan through the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) and family doctors, enhancing public awareness on self-health management and disease prevention. The Government launched the three-year CDCC Pilot Scheme since 2023, subsidising Hong Kong residents aged 45 and above with no known medical history of DM or HT to pair with family doctors for DM and HT screening services in the private healthcare market. In March this year, the CDCC Pilot Scheme was expanded to cover blood lipid testing, achieving full coverage of the "three highs". Participants diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT or hyperlipidaemia after screening can proceed to the treatment phase and will be subsidised by the Government to continue their treatment with a family doctor of their choice, and subject to their health conditions, be provided with prescribed medication, a dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services. The CDCC Pilot Scheme reinforces the "Family Doctor for All" concept and expands the community healthcare network through the DHCs as resource hubs.
      
     As of October 8 this year, over 160 000 citizens have already enrolled in the CDCC Pilot Scheme. It is expected that the target of having around 200 000 participants during the pilot period can be achieved earlier than expected. Approximately 99 200 participants (i.e. about 60 per cent) have completed the screenings and around 40 000 participants (i.e. about 40 per cent) have been diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT or dyslipidaemia, and have proceeded to the treatment phase. For more details of the CDCC Pilot Scheme, members of the public may visit the dedicated website of the CDCC Pilot Scheme.
      
     The Government will continue to promote healthy living and work closely with community partners to foster a supportive environment conducive to healthy living. For more information, please visit the Change for Health website of the DH.

Ends/Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00

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