Media

“Seeing The Invisible” – Hong Kong’s first community-wide program for children and families affected by childhood eczema

28 Apr 2017

Eczema is the most common paediatric skin disease prevalent in 15-20% of children globally and 30% of children in Hong Kong. Research suggested that eczema is more common in the Chinese population and in coastal areas with high relative humidity, which triggers severe seasonal outburst. Children with eczema commonly suffer from sleep disturbances, daytime tiredness, social stigmatization, diminished self-esteem, emotional distress, irritability and mood disturbance; their parents also suffer interruption of daily routines, poor physical condition, emotional instability, reduced social activities and decreased quality of life.

Against this backdrop, the Department of Social Work and Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong, the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong (BGCA) and the Hong Kong Society of Rehabilitation (HKSR) jointly organise the “Seeing The Invisible” Program. It is a 36-hour training program offered for children with eczema and their parent caregivers. A pilot study in mid of last year has demonstrated significant improvement in various dimensions in the psychological and spiritual well-being of the participants. 

A press conference will be held on May 9 to announce the launch of this community-wide “Seeing The Invisible” Program and recruitment of phase one training programme. Dr. CHAN Chun Yin Johnny, Hong Kong Sanatorium & hospital Director, Dermatology, Specialist in Dermatology & Venereology and Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor (Department of Medicine, HKU), will brief the media on the prevalence, prognosis and long-term impact of childhood eczema. Dr. CHAN Hoi-Yan Celia, Assistant Professor (Department of Social Work and Social Administration, HKU) will highlight the psychosocial needs of families affected by eczema and announce the program launch. A parent participant from the pilot study will share on her challenges in caring for children with eczema and how the intervention program had brought positive changes to both her child and herself.   

At the press conference, pilot study findings and application details of the training program will be announced. Details are as follows: 

Date:    May 9, 2017 (Tuesday)
Time:   11:30 am - 1pm
Venue:  Room 533, 5/F, the Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus,
            The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Please see attached the rundown.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Melanie Wan (Senior Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 / email: melwkwan@hku.hk.