CW Chan, LHL Wong

Abstract

At the 20th Anniversary, the Hong Kong Paediatric Foundation and The Hong Kong Paediatric Society organised a "Summit on Child Health and the Environment" on 11-13 October 2014. This was the first environmental conference in Hong Kong focusing on "Healthy Environment for Healthy Children". We appreciate the support from the Food and Health Bureau and Environmental Bureau to the Summit. Over 50 international and local experts came together to share research evidence, to identify challenges and to define strategic action plans on children's environmental health. Keynote lectures highlighted children's unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards, environmental health indicators and the roles of healthcare professionals in safeguarding a healthy environment. Birth Cohorts in Asia inspired future research and policy directions. Specific topics included environmental toxins and neurodevelopmental disorders, anti-smoking initiatives, food safety, health challenges related to air, water, light and noise pollutions and electronic media. Experts illustrated the importance of "Nurturing Environments" and issues on Children's rights.