Media

The LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), in collaboration with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams), launched the ‘Shape Your Healthy Life: 18‑District Health Community Project’ today at the Sai Ying Pun Community Hall. 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 remarked the World Health Day 2026 reminds us 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 HKU’s Faculty of Medicine, further enhancing community health services and advancing the shared vision of embedding health at the heart of the community.

Mrs Cherry Tse Ling Kit-ching, Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of HKU, said, ‘In celebration of its 115th Anniversary, HKU is partnering with the Government and community organisations to expand health outreach. The initiative reflects our mission to serve society and provide residents with practical tools for lifelong wellness.’

Professor Chak-sing Lau, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine at HKU, said, ‘Interdisciplinary collaboration and close partnerships with the community lie at the heart of effective preventive care. 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.’

Preventive care in action
The 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. A key highlight was the AI-powered optical coherence tomography (OCT) screening conducted by HKUMed ophthalmology experts, which provided cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration screening for individuals aged 60 and above. This initiative demonstrated how innovative technology can enhance early detection and strengthen preventive medicine at the community level.

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.

Sustaining momentum across 18 districts
Today’s launch marked the official commencement of the 18-District Health Community Project, which will continue into 2027. 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.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the upcoming activities under the 18‑District Health Community Project. Events scheduled for April to June 2026 include the stroke prevention education and health screening event titled ‘World Health Day: Be Stroke Smart’ for professional drivers, and a range of community outreach initiatives 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.

Media enquiries
Please contact the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong by email (medmedia@hku.hk).