CityUHK launches Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Guardian Programme with community partners
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has been consistently committed to interdisciplinary research, actively addressing societal needs and advancing public health. With the generous sponsorship of China Hongqiao Group Limited, CityUHK has partnered with three institutions to launch the Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular (C2) Health Guardian Programme, aimed at enhancing community health. The initiative brings together the strengths of government, industry, academia, District Health Centres and community networks. It will provide free, comprehensive health screenings for 5,000 residents of Light Public Housing and Transitional Housing across four districts – Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan – enabling early detection of cardiovascular and brain health risks.
The inauguration ceremony of Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular (C2) Health Guardian Programme was held earlier at the Wofoo Foundation Joseph Lee Multi-function Hall in the Lee Shau Kee Student Residence Village in Ma On Shan. Officiating guests included Professor Freddy Boey, President and Distinguished University Professor of CityUHK; Ms Au Yeung Man-sin, Political Assistant to the Secretary for Housing; Ms Christine Wong Yu-ting, Executive Director and Head of Corporate Finance of China Hongqiao Group Limited; Mr Gary Chu Tak-wing, Chairman of Yan Chai Hospital Board; and Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK.
In his welcoming address, President Boey expressed heartfelt gratitude to China Hongqiao Group Limited for its generous sponsorship and steadfast support of this programme. He stated, “Upholding the spirit of ‘Innovating into the Future,’ CityUHK continues to engage with the community in its mission to serve society. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, we can collectively tackle healthcare challenges and strengthen community well-being.”
Ms Au Yeung commended CityUHK for its vision and dedication to community service. She noted, “The Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular (C2) Health Guardian Programme is a prime example of how different sectors of Hong Kong society can unite, creating powerful synergies.”
Ms Wong stated, “Last year, through the CityUHK Endowment Campaign, Hongqiao established the Hongqiao Endowed Fund for Community Care to support diverse community projects at the University. This reflects not only our trust in CityUHK but also our core value of ‘from society and for society’. Hongqiao stands ready to devote its corporate passion and resources to closely integrating with CityUHK’s innovative research achievements, striving to enhance the well-being of all. By working hand in hand with CityUHK in the Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular (C2) Health Guardian Programme, we aim to realise our vision of ‘benefiting humanity through technology and professional knowledge’.”
Mr Chu also expressed appreciation to CityUHK for its longstanding support of healthcare initiatives and its active role in promoting community health education. He stated, “Yan Chai Hospital is honoured to participate in the Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular (C2) Health Guardian Programme organised by CityUHK. Through health education, risk assessments and consultation services, we hope to raise public awareness of personal health. This programme not only improves the well-being of residents in Light Public Housing and Transitional Housing, but also strengthens their sense of belonging. It marks an important step in cross-sector collaboration to enhance community health and safeguard the welfare of underprivileged citizens.”
The Hongqiao Cerebro-Cardiovascular (C2) Health Guardian Programme launched its pilot scheme in mid-September at Yan Chai Residence, a Transitional Housing in Tsuen Wan. Residents received health screening services, including carotid artery ultrasound scans, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure tests, as well as urine albumin tests, to assess their risks of hypertension and diabetes.
