A Documentary History of Public Health in Hong Kong

This book examines the development of public health in Hong Kong from 1841 to the early 1990s, covering political, social, economic, and cultural factors that affected disease outbreaks and development. It uses historical documents to provide a critical evaluation of the city's struggle to combat prevalent and emerging diseases.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: The Chinese University Press

This remarkable book commemorates the fifteenth anniversary of the outbreak of the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong in 2003. It is a comprehensive documentary study that originated as a research project a year after the epidemic. The author's objective is to examine the development of public health in Hong Kong from 1841 to the early 1990s, encompassing the prewar colonial rule, Japanese occupation, postwar reconstruction, and growth, as well as the initial stages of decolonization. The book delves into various political, social, economic, and cultural factors that influenced disease outbreaks and development, government and local responses, advancements in technology related to health and medicine, and the emergence of health agencies and institutions.

To achieve this, the author has meticulously analyzed a wide range of historical documents, selected from government archives, personal papers, and special collections. These invaluable source materials provide a critical foundation for evaluating these developments. The book offers a much-needed and indispensable historical perspective to understanding Hong Kong's struggle to combat prevalent and emerging diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, avian influenza, and SARS.

The author's meticulous research and analysis shed light on the complex interplay of political, social, economic, and cultural factors that shaped public health in Hong Kong throughout its history. The book highlights the impact of colonial priorities, indigenous agency, and practices on disease outbreaks and development. It also examines the government's responses to these challenges, including the establishment of health agencies and institutions.

Furthermore, the book explores advancements in technology related to health and medicine, such as the introduction of new vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools. It also discusses the challenges faced by health professionals and institutions in adapting to changing circumstances and addressing public health needs.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of public health history. It provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the development of public health in Hong Kong from 1841 to the early 1990s. The author's meticulous research and analysis offer valuable insights into the complex factors that shaped public health outcomes and the challenges faced by health professionals and institutions. The book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the history of public health and its implications for contemporary healthcare systems.

Weight: 824g
Dimension: 164 x 235 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789629968366