China to further promote national health campaign

The State Council stressed further promotion of a national health campaign in a guideline document issued on Nov 27.

The array of hygiene-promoting activities have improved urban and rural environment and hygiene conditions, enhanced public health and contributed to disease prevention and control, yet weak points still exist in long-term environment and hygiene management, mobilization of the public and health quality improvement, the document said.

The guidelines urged combining the health campaign with prevention and control of infectious and chronic diseases, ensuring people’s health, and setting up goals for the campaign, which include improving public hygiene facilities, enhancing the rural and urban environment, and popularizing a civilized, healthy, green and environment-friendly lifestyle.

It called for efforts from departments and local governments, society and individuals to promote the campaign at all levels.

First, public hygiene facilities should be improved for better rural and urban living environment, the document said. For that, comprehensive governance of living environment must be promoted, governance of garbage and sewage disposal accelerated, toilet construction fully conducted. It’s important to renovate and build toilets in villages, schools, and upgrade toilets at tourism sites, the document said.

Also, the supervision system for water source protection, tap water production and water supply security must be strengthened, in order to ensure safety of drinking water, according to the document. More biological vector control and better monitoring network has also been stressed.

Second, it is important to promote health awareness and healthy, civilized lifestyles. People will be guided to cultivate hygienic habits in villages, communities, enterprises, schools, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and live a self-disciplined life with more exercise and good eating habits.

Environment-friendly and low-carbon lifestyle will be promoted, with emphasis on conservation of water and electricity resources, and stop food waste, the document said.

People’s mental health should also be a focus, as the document required the government to convey positive thoughts and build a harmonious, healthy social atmosphere.

Third, the document said that full-life circle health management methods will be adopted in city planning, construction, and governance, and the construction of healthy units, such as villages, communities, enterprises, schools and families, will be promoted.

The guideline urged related departments to improve scientific management and adopt new working methods that are based on laws, strengthen social mobilization and policy, technological support.

Government at all levels should conduct better organization, enhance leadership, and strengthen international cooperation in the campaign, it added.