Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 3) organised the second School Sharing and Recognition Ceremony of Whole School Health Programme (WSHP) to recognise 14 “Advanced Schools” for implementing health promotion measures. School representatives shared their experiences in implementing school-based health promotion initiatives for other schools to learn from. Currently, nearly 900 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong participate in the WSHP. The DH expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from schools and encouraged those not yet participating to join as soon as possible, working together to progressively foster the school campus into a Health Promoting School (HPS) that is beneficial for living, learning and working.
At the recognition ceremony, the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “Evidence-based international research indicates that implementing the HPS framework, as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO), can positively impact student health, such as effectively reducing the risk of smoking among students, reducing bullying cases, and improving the body mass index of students, as well as increasing their physical activity and intake of fruits and vegetables. Students with sound physical and mental health can thrive in their studies, daily lives and interpersonal relationships. They are better equipped to tackle various challenges in their academic and personal growth.