Press Releases
HK pledges support for WHO hand-washing campaign (with photo)
The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, pledged Hong Kong's
support for a World Health Organisation's (WHO) campaign in promoting hand
hygiene as an effective means to counter the spread of infectious disease.
The pledge was delivered via video conferencing during the launch ceremony of
the WHO's campaign, "Global Patient Safety Challenge: Clean Care is Safer Care",
in Geneva, Switzerland today (October 13).
While delivering the pledge, Dr Chow said Hong Kong supported the WHO's event
and was committed to promoting good hand hygiene to control the spread of
infectious diseases in both healthcare settings and in the community.
Representatives from local medical and healthcare professions, including the
Director of Health, Dr PY Lam, and the Controller of the Department of Health's
Centre for Health Protection, Dr PY Leung, were present to witness the delivery
and signing of the pledge and show their unanimous support for the WHO's
initiative.
To further heighten public awareness on good hand hygiene, the Department of
Health will step up promotional efforts by launching a territory-wide campaign,
"Wash Hands for Better Health" early next year. The campaign aims to remind the
public that good hand hygiene is the first line of defence against infectious
diseases, and it is hoped that the campaign will help create a social
environment conducive to good hand hygiene.
Special emphasis will be placed on community settings like schools, shopping
malls and food premises. A host of health promotion materials, including a new
pamphlet, posters and eye-catching stickers, will be produced to drive home the
message. Multi-media channels including websites and 24-hour health education
hotline will be used.
Also present at today's signing ceremony were Dr Vivian Wong, Chief Executive of
the Hospital Authority; Dr Seto Wing Hong, Chairman of the Scientific Committee
on Infection Control of the department's Centre for Health Protection; Dr Walton
Li, Chairman of Hong Kong Private Hospitals Association; Dr Louis Shih,
Vice-President of Hong Kong Medical Association; Dr Yeung Chiu-fat, President of
Hong Kong Doctors Union and Dr William Chao, President of Hong Kong Chinese
Medical Association.
Ends/Thursday, October 13, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:45
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(Photo)