Hong Kong Health Chief Meets WHO Director to Discuss NCD Prevention and Mental Health Initiatives

Director of Division of Programmes for Disease Control of WHO Western Pacific Regional Office visits DH to learn about Hong Kong's achievements in preventing non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health

The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (November 6) met with the Director of Division of Programmes for Disease Control of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office, Dr Huong Thi Giang Tran, at the Department of Health (DH) headquarters. Dr Lam briefed her on Hong Kong's efforts and achievements in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health.

During the meeting, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Dr Edwin Tsui, briefed Dr Huong Tran on the overall strategies and directions of the DH and the CHP in disease surveillance and prevention, and in promoting the public's physical and mental health. The DH officers later gave Dr Huong Tran an in-depth presentation on Hong Kong's work in promoting mental health, the Whole School Health Programme, prevention and control of NCDs and cancer screening programmes.

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (the Government) attaches great importance on preventing and controlling NCDs and promoting mental health. These areas are our key public health priorities. 'The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address' has outlined relevant initiatives, including the enhancement of cancer prevention and screening as well as weight management. Hong Kong's work on prevention and control of NCDs align with the WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, the Regional Action Framework for NCDs Prevention and Control and the Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific. Last week, the 16th meeting of the Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of NCDs reviewed the progress of the local targets in the prevention and control of NCDs and actions taken by various government departments. The DH will continue to enhance our resilience and capacity in addressing NCDs, including mental health, by aligning with relevant policy frameworks from the Chinese Mainland and the WHO," said Dr Lam.

Dr Huong Tran commended Hong Kong's achievements in the prevention and control of NCDs. The risk of premature mortality from four major NCDs in Hong Kong has declined continuously, with a reduction of over 25 per cent when compared to 15 years ago, demonstrating significant progress. She was impressed by Hong Kong's mental health promotion with its clear strategy and strong approach. She also affirmed the determination and commitment of the Government in promoting healthcare reform, which will help strengthen public health measures and further promote public health. Dr Huong Tran emphasised the role of the WHO in facilitating collaboration and sharing good experiences of Hong Kong to other countries/areas in the region in the areas of NCDs and mental health.

Dr Lam concluded the meeting by saying that the DH looked forward to maintaining close communication and collaboration with the WHO to jointly explore more effective public health measures. This will provide more comprehensive protection for the mental and physical health of the public and contribute to building a healthy regional community.

Dr Huong Tran's visit to Hong Kong is to attend an international mental health conference.

Director of Division of Programmes for Disease Control of WHO Western Pacific Regional Office visits DH to learn about Hong Kong's achievements in preventing non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two co-owners fined over $60,000 for not complying with removal order

Two co-owners were convicted and fined $66,200 in total, of which $50,200 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts yesterday (March 31) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 29 square metres on the roof of a village house on a lot at D.D. 242, Sai Kung. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the unauthorised building works (UBWs) and the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (April 1), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.