Health of the Hong Kong Community

Hong Kong's health indices compare favourably with those of most developed countries. The infant mortality rate, one of the most important indicators of health, has been declining over the past two decades and reached as low as 2.3 per thousand live births in 2003. The maternal mortality ratio has remained low for the past two decades. In 2003, there were only two cases of maternal death reported, giving a maternal mortality ratio of 4.2 per hundred thousand live births. Longevity has also improved significantly for Hong Kong people over the years. On average, a baby boy born in 2003 could expect to live 78.6 years and a baby girl 84.3 years. Life expectancy at birth is projected to reach 82 for men and 88 for women in 2031.

Hong Kong Disease Prevention and Control

Health problems in Hong Kong are mostly associated with lifestyle-related chronic degenerative diseases. Among the leading causes of death, cancers, diseases of heart and cerebrovascular diseases together accounted for about 56 per cent of all deaths during the year. These diseases affect mainly elderly people and will continue to dominate the mortality statistics as the population ages.

In 2003, cancers were the top killer in Hong Kong and claimed more than 10 000 lives. A Cancer Coordinating Committee has been established to formulate comprehensive strategic plans and make recommendations for the effective prevention and control of cancer in Hong Kong.

To reduce the number of women developing and dying from cervical cancer, the Department of Health, in collaboration with other health care providers, has been planning for the introduction of a Cervical Screening Programme in 2004. It is recommended that women aged 25 to 64 years receive three-yearly cervical smears following two consecutive yearly negative smears. In 2003, a Cervical Screening Information System was under development by the department to collect and analyse data on cervical smears.

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Globalsurance is an independent medical and international health insurance advisor. We offer free quotations and advice to clients throughout the World. If you are planning to travel or live abroad, we can offer you advice to match your international health insurance needs. Additional information for Hong Kong clients