Special Session 5 - Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Control

Similar to other regions in the world, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD), which cause ill-health, disability and premature deaths, is expected to increase further in Hong Kong due to an expanding and ageing population. Recognising the significant health, social and economic impacts on our population if the problem of NCD is left uncontrolled, the Government is committed to fighting against NCD on all fronts and alleviating its burden. 


In 2018, the Government launched the "Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-communicable Diseases in Hong Kong" (SAP). Aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO)'s guidance, the SAP sets out the strategic directions for actions and encompasses nine local targets with a view to reducing the local NCD burden by 2025. The SAP guides multi-level and cross-sectoral actions targeting on four major NCDs (namely cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes) and four key behavioural risk factors (namely unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol) that are potentially preventable or modifiable and have significant impact on population health, as well as strengthening health care system and treatment to decrease overall risk of premature NCD mortality. 


Apart from providing an overview of the progress made on specific targets thus far and showcasing the actions taken by the Department of Health and other government bureaux and departments in driving these efforts, this presentation will also identify existing obstacles on current progress of the SAP. While the Government plays a leading role in taking the agenda forward, successful prevention and control of NCD relies on collaborative efforts by various important multisectoral stakeholders including non-governmental organisations, private sectors, community and individuals. We also call for continuous support from all healthcare professionals and providers to braving the waves and driving progress towards 2025 SAP targets.

The Government has launched an on-going mental health promotion and public education initiative named “Shall We Talk” since July 2020. Through an array of traditional and emerging publicity channels, the initiative reaches out to all walks of life, with an aim to promote mental health and eliminate stigmatisation towards persons with mental health needs, in order to build a mental health friendly community. The objectives of the initiatives are to: i) to step up public engagement in promoting mental well-being; ii) to enhance public awareness of mental health with a view to encouraging help-seeking and early intervention; and iii) to reduce stigma towards people with mental health needs.


According to experience of other jurisdictions, changing the public’s perception and attitude on mental health issues is best undertaken by a phased approach. Shall We Talk is therefore divided into three phases with different focus. The focus of the first phase was to increase public awareness of mental well-being which was completed in August 2021. The initiative is now in the second phase that the focus is to encourage help-seeking and early intervention, and to reduce stigma towards persons with mental health needs.


"Shall We Talk" has a one-stop dedicated website which provides the public with information on mental health and advice on dealing with mental distress as well as a list of mental health hotlines and support services, making it easier for those in need to seek help. “Shall We Talk” also has its social media fanpages including Facebook and Instagram, and has launched key opinion leader social media campaigns. Through the engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, online and offline activities were conducted to promote mental health targeting different groups including television programs, interactive art, community and school events, and workplace programmes, etc.