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Hong Kong faces profound structural challenges related to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among the ageing population, and the associated problems of loneliness and the burden on caregivers. As the government prepares its inaugural five-year plan, this moment offers a vital opportunity to reform the city’s health and medical system to tackle the interlocking challenges.

Since 2011, Health In Action has witnessed that grass-roots families struggle not only with illness but also with housing, financial strain, access to healthy food, caregiving, social isolation and health literacy. Social determinants of health are estimated to account for a substantial proportion of health outcomes, often more than half, depending on the model and population studied.