NHFPC's press conference on May 9,2014

(en.nhfpc.gov.cn)

Updated: 2014-07-15

National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China

Press Conference

May 9, 2014

I. A brief introduction to the National Health Literacy Promotion Action Plan (2014-2020) (hereafter the Plan)

i. Background

The Plan was launched by the NHFPC against the backdrop of a worldwide promotion of civil health literacy initiated by the World Health Organization. Health literacy is the ability to obtain, read, understand and use healthcare information to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. In China, we mainly look at three aspects: basic healthcare knowledge and concept, healthcare-related lifestyle and behaviors, and basic skills.

We started a nationwide initiation in 2008, and have now been able to establish a continuous and consistent health literacy monitoring system. Statistics show that China’s health literacy level stood at 8.8 percent in 2012. That was relatively low. The Plan therefore has been a priority of the agenda of the NHFPC since June 2013. As a national guideline officially published in April, the Plan laid out clear targets and main tasks in promoting national health literacy by 2020.

ii. Targets Goals of the Plan are set to be attained in two steps. First, by 2015, China’s health literacy level will increase to 10 percent. A total of 180 demonstration counties (or districts) are to be set up, together with 400 demonstration schools, institutions, companies and communities, as well as 18,000 demonstration households. Second, by 2020, the level will grow to 20 percent, with 600 demonstration counties (or districts); 1,400 demonstration schools, institutions, companies and communities each; and 60,000 demonstration households.

iii. Tasks To meet the targets, we need to first establish a scientific outlook on health. It’s important to be fully aware of the significance of health, personal healthcare responsibility, healthy lifestyle, and medical technology limitations. A show of respect for science, medicine, and medical workers matters a lot to a harmonious relationship between doctors and patients.

Then, we need to improve public literacy of: a. Basic medical care Medical organizations will be assessed on how well they’ve been doing in this respect. Measures will be taken to help ramp up people’s ability to acquire and utilize medical and healthcare services, and to strengthen doctor-patient communication and education on health, drug use, and seeking medical advice.

• b. Chronic diseases • Health education will be focused on improving people’s literacy of such diseases as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and tumors, while encouraging them to lead a healthier lifestyle with a reasonable diet, adequate exercise, no smoking, less alcohol and balanced mental health. • c. Infectious diseases Public awareness, together with knowledge of laws and regulations, will be raised in terms of how to prevent and control diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, bilharziasis, viral hepatitis and the flu.