Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today officiated at the "Celebrating the 75th National Day 10,000 Steps a Day Walking Challenge 2024" Kick-off Ceremony.

Organised by the Health Bureau and the Department of Health to promote the health benefits of walking, this year's event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and Hong Kong will for the first time, partner with the Greater Bay Area Mainland cities to jointly promote walking.

Shenzhen and Zhuhai also held the kick-off ceremony of their walking activities today.

Addressing the ceremony in Hong Kong, Prof Lo said the city is confronted with the threats arising from an ageing population and non-communicable diseases.

He said insufficient physical activity is one of the key risk factors of non-communicable diseases, yet the risk is modifiable.

The health chief pointed out that around 90% of students had an insufficient level of physical activity according to the department's Student Health Service Annual Health Report for 2022-23 school year.

As for members of the public aged 18 or above, he said 24.8% performed an insufficient level of physical activity, according to the department’s Population Health Survey 2020-22.

Prof Lo called on school children and adults to perform more physical activities.

"Walking is simple form of physical activity and brings plenty of health benefits including maintaining a healthy body weight, improving cardiopulmonary function, strengthening muscles and bones, relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as reducing the risk of chronic diseases," he said.

He also thanked the bay area Mainland cities for their support in promoting walking together on the same day, as well as various sectors of the community for their enthusiastic participation and support in the event.