Director of Health's Foreword

 

I am pleased to introduce the Strategic Plan of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) for 2010 – 2014.

 

Established since June 2004, the CHP has played a pivotal role in developing the capacity of Hong Kong's public health system to deal with various important public health challenges. Lots of work including strengthening disease surveillance, enhancing laboratory diagnostic services, building up surge capacity, and refining emergency preparedness and response plans, etc. has been done to achieve the goals. The effort has paid off. When the H1N1 influenza pandemic hit Hong Kong in 2009, the CHP responded swiftly, professionally and effectively. Nonetheless, much remains to be done as we prepare for the other challenges ahead. The CHP will continue to progress by consolidating the achievements made and applying the lessons learned.

 

While we are facing the continuous threats of new and known communicable diseases, we have not forgotten the significant impact of non-communicable diseases (NCD). Like many parts of the developed world, Hong Kong is having an ageing population and increasing number of people are suffering from NCD. The CHP has all along taken a proactive approach to the prevention and control of NCD and will continue to further strengthen the work in this area. This is reflected in the Strategic Plan in which priority is given to promoting healthy living and building up an environment conducive to making healthier choices.

 

The Strategic Plan highlights the priorities and key programmes of CHP for the next five years. These include continuing efforts to enhance infectious disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and vaccination programmes, as well as promotion of healthy lifestyle and other health initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy living in the community. The Strategic Plan also calls for forging collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and mobilizing community support, which are critical to the success of CHP's programmes and initiatives.

 

With the Strategic Plan as a guide, the CHP will build on the solid foundation established to meet the challenges ahead.

 

Dr P Y Lam

Director of Health