China Releases Six-year Plan to Raise Health Literacy

World Today

A national survey shows that almost nine out of ten people in China lack basic knowledge on how to maintain their health. China’s health authorities released the survey results along with a report on Friday on how the country’s so-called health literacy will be improved.

CCTV’s Wu Guoxiu was at the press conference and filed this report.

China Releases Six-year Plan to Raise Health Literacy

A national survey shows that almost nine out of ten people in China lack basic knowledge on how to maintain their health. China's health authorities released the survey results along with a report on Friday on how the country's so-called health literacy will be improved. CCTV's Wu Guoxiu was at the press conference and filed this report.

While everyone knows the key to life is good health, yet China’s health authority reports the vast majority of people lack basic awareness about how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Yao Hongwen, Spokesperson of National Health and Family Planning Commission, says: “From an international perspective, China’s health awareness is very low. Many people don’t have a healthy lifestyle. The public lacks knowledge on the limitations of medical technology, the proper use of medicines and the role of doctors.”

The report shows 90 percent of China’s population lacks health literacy; this despite more than two percentage points rise between 2008 and 2012.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission plans to raise the health literacy rate (See Picture Above) to 20% over the next six years.

The action plan aims to provide the public with information on basic health knowledge, healthy lifestyles, and basic medical skills.

The plan will also help people deal with chronic and infectious diseases and promote Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Authorities also plan to bring in tougher bans on smoking in public places and will set up clinics to help people quit smoking.

They say their budgets have been increased to ensure their health awareness programs be properly funded.

Yao Hongwen says: “In 2012, our central budget was 238 million Yuan to improve health literacy, in 2013, it increased to 244 million Yuan, and this year it will be even more. Another project on basic medical service will receive a much bigger increase –the current level is 35 Yuan per person–and part of that money will be used for health education programs.”

The health authority says improving health literacy is a touch challenge in China. The public’s health literacy is low, especially in medical knowledge and awareness to prevent chorionic disease. With this ambitious action plan, authorities hope to build up a national network that brings in families and individuals and that could take decades.