HEALTH
Smoking and Health
Tobacco Control Office
The Tobacco Control Office was set up in 2001 under the Department of Health to coordinate the Government's tobacco control efforts and to promote a smoke-free culture in Hong Kong through intersectoral collaboration and community mobilisation.
Recognising the complexity of tobacco control issues, the office has adopted a multi-pronged approach to achieve its goals. One of the priority areas is to assist managers and staff working in statutory no-smoking areas to comply with and enforce the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. In 2003, the Tobacco Control Office organised 114 workshops for 2 078 venue management staff of no-smoking areas. In addition, 444 restaurants and 78 shopping malls were visited by the officers of the Tobacco Control Office and the legal requirements were explained to managers of these no-smoking areas.
Under the ordinance, tobacco advertisements are prohibited in printed publications distributed in Hong Kong. The office screened 2 417 issues of printed publications and issued 66 warning letters concerning tobacco advertisements during the year. The office also organises health education activities by itself or in collaboration with other organisations to increase public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and second-hand smoke.
Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health
The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health is an independent statutory body, established in 1987 to acquire and disseminate information on the hazards of using tobacco products, and to advise the Government on matters related to smoking, passive smoking and health.
During the year, the council conducted publicity and community involvement campaigns with particular emphasis on discouraging smoking in public and in workplaces. The council also continued its school health education programmes. In addition to 139 health talks delivered to primary and secondary schools, the council arranged a tour of a newly developed interactive education drama in 95 primary schools. The council also operates a telephone hotline to receive enquiries, suggestions and complaints from members of the public on matters related to smoking and health.
Disease Prevention and Control
Non-communicable Diseases
Health problems in Hong Kong are mostly associated with lifestyle-related chronic degenerative diseases. Among the leading causes of death, cancers, diseases of heart and cerebrovascular diseases together accounted for about 56 per cent of all deaths during the year. These diseases affect mainly elderly people and will continue to dominate the mortality statistics as the population ages.
In 2003, cancers were the top killer in Hong Kong and claimed more than 10 000 lives. A Cancer Coordinating Committee has been established to formulate comprehensive strategic plans and make recommendations for the effective prevention and control of cancer in Hong Kong.
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