Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109858

Xiaocang Ding, MM, Bureau of Health, Jing-An District, 422 Jiang-Ning Road, Shanghai, 200041, China and Jay J. Shen, PhD, Department of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park, IL 60466, (708)235-2131, j-shen@govst.edu.

Although China has achieved fast-growing economy in recent years, there are concerns of its social development being behind the economic development. To address health issues resulting from the rapid modernization, the government of Jing-An District (305,000 residents), Shanghai, China, in 2001, started implementing the “Healthy City” program to enhance infrastructures of social and health environments. This research examines progress since the initiative. Social and health indicator, such as living space, green space, air pollution, coverage of varied insurance programs, were measured before and after the implementation. Since 2003, 190,000 square meters of old style subdivisions have been renovated, 80,000 square meters of public space and facilities have been upgraded. 40,000 households' kitchens and toilets in 7,000 old-style buildings have been remodeled. 50,062 households in 10,148 old style buildings have been installed with fire protection devices. The percentage of green areas increased from 12.7% in 2001 to 15.0% in 2004. The average green space per capita increased to 0.91 square meter in 2004. Passing rates of the automobile emission test were 86% and 96% in 2001 and 2004. All coal-burning stoves were replaced. Percentages of days that the air quality met the national standard were 77% and 85% in 2002 and 2004. In 2004, almost 100% of employees had health insurance coverage, social security, and unemployment insurance. In conclusion, although some short-term progress has been observed, more measures including health status and longer effects need to be assessed to see weather the progress is broader and sustainable in the long-run.

Learning Objectives:

• • Examine early effects of the “Healthy City” initiative on social and living environments in China’s urban areas
• • Understand China’s social and health policies in a fast grow economy
• • Analyze the role of government in China with regard to improving social and living environments.

Keywords: International Systems, Urban Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.