ENG-2000 — Page 223

HEALTH

Child Health Centres and three Woman Health Centres. Physical examination, immunisation and developmental monitoring are offered to children while antenatal, postnatal and family planning services are provided for women of child-bearing age at all Maternal and Child Health Centres. Parents are empowered to promote physical and mental health of their children in the family through health education and counselling. About 51 per cent and 95 per cent respectively of expectant mothers and newborns attended Maternal and Child Health Centres in 2000. Health promotion and disease prevention programmes are delivered to women at age 64 or below at the three Woman Health Centres.

The Government-subvented Family Planning Association of Hong Kong runs eight birth control clinics, three youth health care centres, a mobile clinic and six women's clubs which provide sexual and reproductive health services, education and information. The services encompass fertility regulation, gynaecological check-up, pre-marital and pre-pregnancy preparation,

pre-pregnancy preparation, menopause service and youth counselling. A shared care programme in erectile dysfunction was introduced in early 2000. The association also offers training in family life education and sex education, and organises outreaching activities and publicity campaigns to promote family planning and responsible parenthood.

Student Health

The Student Health Service places emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and continuity of care. Its 12 student health service centres and three special assessment centres provide free health assessment, health education and individual health counselling to all primary and secondary school students. School health inspectors visit schools regularly regarding environmental hygiene and sanitation. School health officers and nurses advise on the control of communicable diseases and organise health education activities and immunisation campaigns.

Health Education

The Central Health Education Unit (CHEU) advises on and promotes health education within the Government and the community. It produces a wide range of educational materials such as pamphlets, videos and exhibition boards. In 2000, the Health Ambassador Programme continued to win acclaim. Volunteers from four major groups students, teachers, women and senior citizens were recruited and trained to conduct health education activities and promote health awareness among their peers.

In support of the three-year Healthy Living into the 21st Century campaign launched to enhance public awareness of, and promote, healthy living, the Department of Health has embarked on a number of media and educational activities. These include programmes organised in collaboration with other government departments or non-governmental organisations such as the Healthy Exercise for All Campaign and the Active Living Charter, which encourages signatories to promote physical activities.

Clinics

The Department of Health operates 65 general out-patient clinics to provide accessible and affordable primary medical and health care to the public. Mobile dispensaries, floating clinics and a flying doctor service cater to residents of remote

179