November 12, 2013

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man opened the World Health Organisation Western Pacific Regional Meeting on Addressing the Harmful Use of Alcohol by Young People today.
 
Hong Kong is hosting the three-day meeting, jointly organised by the Department of Health.
 
Thirty-three delegates from 17 countries and areas, together with 10 advisers and a number of local observers, are attending the meeting.
 
They will share evidence-based interventions and good practices, identify challenges and prioritise actions, and develop collaborative strategic approaches to address the growing problem of alcohol use among young people.
 
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Dr Ko said the meeting will stimulate discussion, and foster partnerships for the effective control of alcohol problems affecting young people and the wider community.
 
He said a 2005 survey showed 5% of Hong Kong children aged 11-14 had used alcohol, with 0.3% of them being binge drinkers. More than one-third of those who had used alcohol among this group had their first drink before the age of 11.
 
He said reducing alcohol-related harm is an important public health priority in Hong Kong.
 
An action plan containing 17 actions requiring the Government and NGOs' co-ordinated efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm in Hong Kong was published in 2011. The actions, including those which specifically target young people, are being carried out progressively, he said.