New multi-agency working group to promote health promotion

SINGAPORE: A new multi-agency working group has been set up to drive transformation efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle in Singapore.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong revealed this at an event marking World Diabetes Day in Singapore 2018 on Sunday, November 4 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Center.

"The war against diabetes has provided us with a solid foundation to do more and better in terms of health promotion.

"In addition to improving the quality of food and physical activity, we need to better integrate, coordinate and intensify efforts to instill health in all aspects of Singaporeans' lives," he said. -he declares.

The task force will work towards the national transformation of the health promotion landscape in Singapore and the promotion of a healthier population.

He will coordinate and synergize the efforts of multiple public agencies, and explore ideas for harnessing the potential of the community, infrastructure, technology and behavioral knowledge, to inspire Singaporeans to adopt a way of life. healthy.

The working group will be chaired by Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health.

The other members are:

• Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng
• Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Manpower, Low Yen Ling
• Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development and Education, Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim
• Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development, Sun Xueling

"The working group will focus on three main axes – or three" E "- that will help bring health to the different aspects of our lives.These are changes in our living environment, empowering individuals through to technology and the engagement of our communities for better service delivery and ground-based programming, "Gan added.

The task force will hold public consultation sessions from January to May next year to gather ideas for promoting health. Singaporeans can also submit their views online.

Task Force Chair Amrin Amin said, "Improving the health of all Singaporeans is a colossal effort that can not be undertaken by a single agency. It also needs the support of the private sector and the community. We hope that the work of the working group will make a significant contribution to transforming the health promotion landscape in Singapore. "

As for the ongoing war on diabetes, Mr. Gan said there was still a nation-wide effort and concerted action on the part of several stakeholders was needed to encourage Singaporeans to live healthier lives.

The government is working to make healthier foods and beverages more easily accessible to Singaporeans.

In June of this year, more than 6,500 food and beverage outlets in 110 hawker centers and 850 cafés offer at least one healthier option on their menu as part of the Health Promotion Board's healthier meal program. HPB).

HPB aims to integrate 40% of all hawker and café stands into the program by next year.

Mr. Gan also revealed that the Ministry of Health would organize the Diabetes Ministerial Conference, which would bring together international government leaders, stakeholders, academics and opinion leaders to share their best practices and points. of view.