ENG-1991 — Page 189

HEALTH

The 12th Young Health Leaders' Training Course was held in July. It consisted of lectures, games, group discussions and audio-visual 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 assisted in the organisation of this project in which 256 students from 54 schools participated.

Other activities included health talks and workshops for schools, voluntary agencies and clients of out-patient clinics. Health education materials like pamphlets, posters, booklets, cassettes, slides and video tapes, and exhibits 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.

The Central Health Education Unit and AIDS Counselling and Health Education Service of the department worked in close collaboration with government and non- government organisations in the promotion of education on AIDS among various groups of the community.

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 limit tobacco advertising, prohibit smoking in public places, restrict the tar content in cigarettes and convey stronger health warnings to the public. Proposed amendments to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to implement these measures have been submitted to the Legislative Council for consideration.

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 during 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 party's terms of reference have been formulated having regard to the government's policy of respecting the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. During the year, the working party commissioned surveys and consulted widely on the present practice of the principal forms of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong and the forms of training given to practitioners. In May 1990, a Professional Consultative Committee comprising members of the working party and members engaged in the trade and practice of traditional Chinese medicine was formed to strengthen communication and to facilitate exchange of views. The

153