HEALTH
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In order to instil a sense of citizenship in young people aged between 10 and 15 and to guide them towards adopting a healthy lifestyle, the AMS launched its Youth Ambassador Scheme in 1997. In 2000, 463 young people joined this scheme and took part in various activities such as life saving training, community services and recreational activities.
The AMS also participated in Phase I of the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme co-ordinated by the Education and Manpower Bureau. Various training modules including basic first aid skills, physical fitness training and team-building were provided to 383 participants.
Radiation Health
The Radiation Health Unit of the Department of Health is the Government's adviser on radiation safety and protection. It advises the Government on the protection of public health in the event of a nuclear incident, on the management of radioactive materials and wastes, and on the effects on health of radiation exposure. It also serves as the executive arm of the Radiation Board, which is the statutory authority set up under the Radiation Ordinance (Cap 303) to control the import, export, sale, possession and use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. It safeguards public health against ionising radiation through licensing control and inspection of premises where radioactive substances or irradiating apparatuses are present. It also conducts radiation monitoring measurements and provides health surveillance of occupationally exposed persons.
In 2000, the unit assessed and issued 6 463 licences and permits and provided monitoring service to 7214
7214 occupationally exposed persons. The average occupational radiation exposure was 0.13 mSv against an annual statutory limit of 20.
Health Living into the 21st Century Campaign
The Healthy Living into the 21st Century Campaign was launched in May 1998 to instil a healthy lifestyle concept in the community through promotion of healthy habits. The campaign entered the final stage of its three-year programme in 2000 with the theme of Sustain a Healthy Lifestyle.
A programme called Healthy Exercise for All was launched during the year to promote public awareness of the health benefits of regular physical exercises, especially in work places, at schools and at home.
Food and Environmental Hygiene
With the reorganisation of municipal services on January 1, 2000, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) was set up to provide services in the area of food safety and environmental hygiene.
Public Cleansing Services
Since its inception, the FEHD has been providing effective and efficient public cleansing services.
The department provides manual street-sweeping services in all urban and rural areas. The frequency of sweeping varies from one to eight times daily, depending on the need in each area.