Hong Kong Campaign Raises Shingles Awareness Amid Health Risks

The Hong Kong Pain Society has joined forces with Diabetes Hongkong and Care For Your Heart in a collaborative effort to increase awareness about shingles. The campaign, titled “Ahead of Shingles,” employs a promotional truck as its primary tool for outreach. This initiative is set to run for six weeks, ending on October 27, with a specific focus on people over the age of 50 and those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, and kidney diseases.

Renowned local artists Stephy Tang and Pal Sin have been enlisted as health ambassadors for the campaign. After last year’s successful outdoor activation at a shopping mall, the organizers have opted for a mobile approach to engage with the community more dynamically. According to alarming statistics that sparked this campaign, one in three individuals in Hong Kong is at risk of developing shingles. This condition not only affects the elderly but also individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, lupus erythematosus, and cancer.

Research indicates that individuals with diabetes are 78% more susceptible to contracting shingles compared to those without the condition. Additionally, some studies point out that diabetic patients are likely to experience an increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels post-pregnancy, complicating the management of the disease.

Throughout the campaign’s duration, the promotional truck is scheduled to visit high-traffic areas, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Shau Kei Wan, and Tuen Mun. This weekend, the truck will make stops at Tuen Mun Trend Plaza on Friday at 5 pm, Yau Tong Ka Wing Street from 12 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, and in Kennedy Town on Sunday.

Efforts to enhance awareness include pre-event promotions via various media platforms and continued coverage through print, online media, and social media by Key Opinion Leaders. The effort receives substantive support from PRPPL Consultancy, which has partnered in executing the campaign.