The Diocese of Hong Kong is moving to strengthen health support for foreign domestic workers after a church-led medical screening revealed obesity, hypertension, and other health risks at rates far above the city’s average.
The initiative follows a health check-up day at St. Stephen’s Church in Kwai Chung, co-organized by Health In Action, the parish, and the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development, the Sunday Examiner reported.
Organizers said the findings highlighted how limited exercise, unhealthy eating patterns, and psychological stress are shaping the health of migrant domestic workers.
A small-scale survey of 30 participants aged 35 to 61 found that over 70 per cent were classified as obese and around 60 per cent had high blood pressure.
Both figures exceed typical statistics for women in Hong Kong. Fewer than one-third were taking medication for hypertension, and more than half registered low levels of good cholesterol.
Diocese responds to health concerns
The results prompted diocesan leaders to seek a coordinated response. On October 28, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing and vicar general Father Paul Kam Po-wai met with Dr. Fan Ning, founder of Health In Action, and representatives from the organization “to strategise on improving health support for foreign domestic workers within the Church.”
The meeting explored parish-based health checks, light exercises before community gatherings, joint responses during influenza season, prayer intentions for the sick, and partnerships with medical associations.
Susanna Lee of the diocesan commission expressed appreciation for the collaboration, saying she was grateful for “the dedication of Health in Action in helping the vulnerable in society.”
She said the commission hopes to expand health-testing initiatives to other parishes.
Lee also stressed the importance of mutual care in diverse parish communities. While migrant workers contribute significantly to the life of Hong Kong parishes, she said the Church must “serve one another equally in the Church,” encouraging stronger ties between Chinese and English-speaking groups in line with Pope Francis’ call for unity during the Jubilee Year.
