WHO regional director visits HKJC-funded healthcare center

A World Health Organization (WHO) regional director visited a primary healthcare center for elderly people in Tai Po operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club last Friday, as part of his official visit to Hong Kong and Macau.

Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, stopped by the Jockey Club CADENZA Hub (JCCH). He was briefed on the latest services and facilities there while meeting some of the beneficiaries.

Piukala said: “It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to learn about the work and efforts of the CADENZA Hub in promoting and implementing primary healthcare services for the young olds and the elders,” referring to those aged 50+ and 60+ respectively.

“The experiences and feedback collected from these services will be a great reference for the WHO’s efforts to enhance global health standards, particularly in advancing primary health care.”

Head of charities Imelda Chan of the Jockey Club acknowledged the significant challenge posed by an aging population, which increases pressure on public healthcare systems in Hong Kong and the rest of the world.

She said the organization shared its efforts with the WHO “in adopting innovative approaches to strengthen primary health-care services and create an elderly- and age-friendly community environment.”

Through a “medical-social collaboration” model, JCCH offers daycare for elders with dementia, including therapeutic programs, basic nursing care, and rehabilitation exercises to enhance self-care and slow cognitive decline.

The healthcare hub also offers primary care services such as eye examinations, aural screening, traditional Chinese medicine consultations, diet and nutrition advice as well as health monitoring programs to promote healthy lifestyles.

JCCH has seen more than 400,000 people attend its primary care and day-care services since it was established in 2009.

In January 2025, the Club’s Institute of Philanthropy pledged HK$14.8 million for a three-year WHO pilot project to manage non-communicable diseases in primary care in the Philippines, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands.

(Jamie Liu)