The Department of Health (DH) today (February 3) organised the second School Sharing and Recognition Ceremony of Whole School Health Programme (WSHP) to recognise 14 "Advanced Schools" for implementing health promotion measures. School representatives shared their experiences in implementing school-based health promotion initiatives for other schools to learn from. Currently, nearly 900 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong participate in the WSHP. The DH expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from schools and encouraged those not yet participating to join as soon as possible, working together to progressively foster the school campus into a Health Promoting School (HPS) that is beneficial for living, learning and working.

     At the recognition ceremony, the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, "Evidence-based international research indicates that implementing the HPS framework, as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO), can positively impact student health, such as effectively reducing the risk of smoking among students, reducing bullying cases, and improving the body mass index of students, as well as increasing their physical activity and intake of fruits and vegetables. Students with sound physical and mental health can thrive in their studies, daily lives and interpersonal relationships. They are better equipped to tackle various challenges in their academic and personal growth.

     "I encourage schools to make reference to the individualised 'School Health Report and Recommendations' compiled by the DH to proactively formulate health promotion strategies and measures. This will further promote the physical and mental health of students on campuses."

     The DH launched the HPS Programme as a pilot project in 30 primary and secondary schools between the 2019/20 and 2022/23 school years. Starting from the 2023/24 school year, the DH has regularised the HPS Programme and renamed it the Whole School Health Programme to further help schools in Hong Kong become HPS. Making reference to the HPS framework, the WSHP assists schools in systematically reviewing and formulating health promotion measures related to four major health themes (namely physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and social well-being) and six key factors (namely healthy school policies, school's physical environment, school's social environment, community links, action competencies for healthy living, and school health care and promotion services).

     The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, noted in his address that the WSHP has been well received over the past two years, with the participation rate steadily increasing, and the progress is encouraging. As of today, 889 schools in Hong Kong have participated in the WSHP (including 408 primary schools, 426 secondary schools and 55 special schools). This accounts for more than 75 per cent of primary and secondary schools. The DH encourages all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to actively participate in the WSHP, enabling Hong Kong to ultimately achieve the WHO's vision of "making every school a health promoting school".

     The DH distributed the "School Health Reports and Recommendations" to all participating schools in August 2025 and arranged for dedicated teams to provide in-depth explanations of the health reports. The vast majority of schools found the reports comprehensive and clear. They reflected student health issues and assisted schools in reviewing their school-based circumstances and formulating health promotion measures. Thus, schools can progressively become HPS, thereby enhancing the physical and mental health of their students.

     During the sharing and recognition ceremony today, representatives of three "Advanced Schools" (namely Lam Tai Fai College, Xianggang Putonghua Yanxishe Primary School of Science and Creativity, and Sharon Lutheran School) shared their experiences in implementing school-based health promotion. They also briefed their efforts and achievements in actively implementing health promotion measures since participating in the HPS Programme from the 2019/20 school year.

     Under the WSHP, participating schools are progressively classified as "Pledged Schools", "Actions Schools" and "Advanced Schools" depending on the extent of implementation of the HPS framework. Based on the checklists submitted by the participating schools in the 2024/25 school year, 14 "Actions Schools" have fully implemented the HPS framework, demonstrating comprehensive developments across all six key factors of HPS and have successfully upgraded to "Advanced Schools", bringing the total number of "Advanced Schools" to 25, including the existing 11 "Advanced Schools" (see Annex).

     For more information on the list of participating schools and the WSHP, members of the public may visit the DH's designated webpage.

     The DH also calls upon schools that have not yet participated in the WSHP to enrol in the programme by contacting the DH's Health Promoting School Division at 3163 4574.

     In addition, the Student Health Service of the DH provides free annual health assessment service for primary and secondary students, including growth monitoring, physical examinations, screenings for vision, hearing and scoliosis, etc. If health or behavioural problems are identified, healthcare professionals will provide health counselling and relevant health information and refer the students to appropriate agencies for further assessment and treatment.

     Enrolment for the annual health assessment service of the 2025/26 school year is now open. Students who have not yet enrolled may submit their applications online through GovHK, or complete the application and consent forms, and submit them with the required documents to respective Student Health Service Centres by email (dh_stdhs_enrolment_exercise@dh.gov.hk), post or fax. Please refer to the Student Health Service website for details and forms.

Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:58

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