ENG-2010 — Page 216

170 Health

Health Promotion

Healthy Lifestyle

The department's Central Health Education Unit is responsible for formulating and implementing the direction of public health education.

In 2010, the unit continued to carry out a number of activities, including the healthy eating campaigns, '[email protected]' and '[email protected]', and introduced a pilot scheme to promote healthy lifestyle at pre-school organisations and workplaces. In addition, for prevention of communicable diseases, the unit provided the public with updated information and health advice on communicable diseases through the media, web-pages, promotional leaflets, posters, and telephone hotlines, etc, It also produced health education leaflets in various languages, catering for the demand of different ethnic groups in this international city. The unit also introduced a health promotion van known as HEALTH Direct in September 2010, visiting the community and enhancing the public's interest in acquiring health knowledge.

In the 2009-10 school year, over 400 primary schools (including special schools) participated in the major activities of the '[email protected]' Campaign, representing about 65 per cent of all primary schools in the territory, and more than 84 million hits were recorded at the campaign's website. The 'EatSmart@restaurant. hk' Campaign also received a favourable response with more than 600 restaurants taking part.

In addition, the DH improved the psychosocial health of secondary school students through the Adolescent Health Programme. Some 321 secondary schools, 94 000 students and 2 300 parents and teachers enrolled in and received services under the programme during the 2009-10 school year.

In the 2009-10 financial year, the DH spent $220 million on health promotion.

Oral Health Education

In addition to various target-oriented activities carried out in schools, educational and other activities were organised throughout the year by the department's Oral Health Education Unit to promote oral health. These included the 'Bright Smiles Mobile Classroom' which provides more extensive outreach activities on oral health education for primary school pupils. Information on oral health is also provided through the department's oral health education website, www.toothclub. gov.hk, and a 24-hour interactive telephone hotline.

In October 2010, a 'Love Teeth' Campaign was launched by the department urging people to take proper care of their teeth, with emphasis on seeking dentists' advice on gum condition to prevent periodontal disease.

AIDS Counselling and Education

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and health promotion programmes in Hong Kong are underpinned by the concerted efforts of the Government and NGOs. The department's 'Red Ribbon Centre' collaborates with its