Most of us know the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ – which is usually followed by a mention, with some resignation, of another adage: ‘easier said than done!’ But where the health and well-being of Hong Kong’s residents are concerned, HKU and like-minded organisations are determined to push past the latter of these clichés.
The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of HKU, in collaboration with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams), launched the ‘Shape Your Healthy Life: 18‑District Health Community Project’ at the Sai Ying Pun Community Hall earlier this month. The event attracted over 250 participants, marking the first-ever territory-wide outreach effort jointly led by HKUMed, HYAB and the Care Teams.
This is a year-long initiative spanning all 18 districts in Hong Kong, aiming to promote preventive health, enhance community well-being, and empower residents with practical knowledge to support lifelong wellness. The programme brings together multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to deliver free health screenings, public seminars and community‑based health education, strengthening neighbourhood‑level access to reliable health information and care.
Officiating at the kick-off ceremony, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs noted that World Health Day 2026 was a timely reminder that healthy communities are built on prevention, accessibility, and neighbourhood-level health education. This initiative brings together the community network of the Care Teams and the professional medical expertise of HKUMed, further enhancing community health services and advancing the shared vision of embedding health at the heart of the community.
“Interdisciplinary collaboration and close partnerships with the community lie at the heart of effective preventive care,” said Professor Lau Chak-sing, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine at HKU. “This community initiative exemplifies HKUMed’s commitment to bringing together our faculty members and students from across disciplines to translate their expertise into meaningful contributions that enhance community well-being. It also provides valuable learning opportunities for our students to engage directly with residents in various districts, better understand their healthcare needs, and build a strong foundation for their future professional development.”
The launch event featured a comprehensive health screening session, with physical and mental health screening services for children and adolescents (aged 0 to 18), and assessments for obesity, diabetes and stroke risk, along with professional eye examinations.
At the same time, health issues faced by senior members of the community were also taken care of. AI-powered optical coherence tomography screenings were conducted by HKUMed ophthalmology experts, which provided cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration screening for individuals aged 60 and above.
The event also included a series of specialist-led public health talks, covering paediatric abdominal pain, glycaemic control, stroke prevention and rehabilitation, early childhood development and the latest advances in cataract surgery, translating clinical expertise into practical health strategies for the community. Over 60 HKUMed students supported the event, underscoring the Faculty’s commitment to nurturing future healthcare professionals through hands-on community engagement.
The event also featured information booths on Chinese medicine and pharmacy, reflecting HKUMed’s commitment to a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to advancing community well-being.
The project demonstrated how innovative technology can enhance early detection and strengthen preventive medicine at the community level, starting with society’s youth but inclusive of all generations.
As the flagship event of the 18-District Community Health Project, ‘World Health Day: BE STROKE SMART!’ is a stroke prevention education and health screening programme specially designed for professional drivers.
The 18-District Health Community Project will continue into 2027, and in collaboration with the Care Teams, HKUMed will expand its outreach efforts district by district, providing health screenings, educational talks and preventive health initiatives for local communities.
These will include community outreach initiatives like those led by HKUMed students, in collaboration with various community partners, serving groups such as the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees, domestic helpers and children with special educational needs – so stay tuned!
As Mrs Cherry Tse Ling Kit-ching, Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of HKU, pointed out, by partnering with governmental and community organisations to expand health outreach, the initiative reflects HKU’s mission to serve society and provide residents with practical tools for lifelong wellness.
