ENG-1990 — Page 202

HEALTH

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The Central Health Education Unit and the AIDS Counselling and Health Education Service of the department worked in close collaboration with both government and non- government organisations in the promotion of education on AIDS. The Committee on Health Education and Publicity on AIDS launched a number of programmes including an exhibition at City Hall, a youth concert at Victoria Park, a poster design competition, a youth camp and seminars for doctors, nurses, drug addicts and women's groups in December in support of the 3rd World AIDS Day.

A women's correspondence course on Nutrition and Health was jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong and the Central Health Education unit. The 13-episode pro- gramme was broadcast on radio twice a week and over 300 women completed the course.

The 3rd Teachers' Training Project on Health Education, a joint venture with Education Department in June, provided training for 44 secondary school teachers.

The 11th Young Health Leaders' Training Course was held in July. It consisted of lectures, games, group discussions and slide shows and aimed to train secondary school students in health education and leadership skills. The Oral Health Education Unit and the AIDS Counselling and Health Education Service of the Department of Health, the Education Department and the Environmental Protection Department assisted in the organisation of this project from which 247 students from 44 schools graduated.

Other activities included health talks and workshops for schools and voluntary agencies. Health education materials like pamphlets, posters, booklets, cassettes, slides and video tapes were produced and were available for free-loan. Advice and counselling was provided for organisations interested in promoting health education.

Close liaison was maintained with medical professionals, other government departments, non-government organisations and the media for the smooth implementation of health education campaigns. The Central Health Education Unit participated in television and radio programmes and press interviews.

Increased community concern for health was reflected by the popularity of the various health education programmes offered.

Smoking and Health

To protect members of the public from the health hazards of smoking, government's anti- smoking policy was reviewed during the year. This has resulted in a package of proposals to further prohibit smoking in public places, to restrict the tar content in cigarettes and to convey stronger health warnings to the public. Amendments to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance are being sought to implement these measures.

The Council on Smoking and Health is a statutory body established in 1987 to acquire and disseminate information on the health hazards of using tobacco products and to advise government on matters related to tobacco and health. During the year, the council conducted publicity campaigns with particular emphasis on discouraging young people from smoking. A large-scale Youth Project with the aim of promoting a happy and healthy lifestyle among young people without addiction to smoking was launched towards the end of the year.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In August 1989, the Secretary for Health and Welfare appointed a working party to look into the use and practice of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. The working