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Press Release: Action plan launched to reduce alcohol-related harm in Hong Kong

24 Oct 2011 (Mon)

An action plan was officially launched today (October 24) to reduce alcohol-related harm, combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and enhance the quality of life for the community.

Addressing the "Seminar on Alcohol and Health", the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr. York Chow, said that the success of any NCD prevention and control efforts hinges on effective promotion of healthy lifestyles and enabling people to make healthier choices in life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified alcohol use as the third leading risk factor for global burden of disease. It is estimated to cause about 2.5 million deaths worldwide every year.

In Hong Kong, apart from recognising the importance of unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and smoking in causing major NCDs, alcohol use is another modifiable behavioural risk factor that has been designated as a priority area for action in the prevention and control of NCD.

Upon review of international evidence, detailed examination of the local situation on alcohol use, and careful consideration and consultation of different stakeholders, the Working Group on Alcohol and Health, established under the Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, has drawn up the "Action Plan to Reduce Alcohol-related Harm in Hong Kong" which includes five priority areas, 10 recommendations and 17 specific actions. The Action Plan outlines the collaborative work to be taken by government bureaux/departments and relevant parties together to prevent and control alcohol-related harm in Hong Kong in the coming years.

"It is the combined result of appraisal of best practices and evidence, and the effort of stakeholder from many sectors," said Mr. Patrick Ma, Chairman of the Working Group.

The five priority areas are:
i) Generate an effective information system to understand the epidemiology of alcohol- related harm and to provide advice and support on prevention and control of alcohol-related harm
ii) Strengthen partnership and foster engagement of all relevant stakeholders
iii) Build the capacity and capability to prevent and control alcohol-related harm
iv) Ensure a health sector that is responsive to the NCD challenges and to improve the healthcare system
v) Strengthen and develop supportive health promotion legislation

The seminar was organised by the Department of Health with support of various stakeholders, including Government bureaux/departments, non-government organisations, schools and universities, and healthy cities, with the objectives to raise awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and to call for partnership from all relevant stakeholders. The seminar also served as an occasion to give recognition to work partners who had been actively engaged in the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm.

"With the implementation of the Action Plan, it is hoped that a sustainable environment to reduce alcohol-related harm will be created; the general public will be able to make informed choices about alcohol consumption; and the burden of alcohol-related harm can be reduced," the Director of Health, Dr. PY Lam said.

More information on the Action Plan is available at the following website: http://www.change4health.gov.hk .