Health literacy in China needs improvement

A new report shows over 90-percent of people in China lack basic health knowledge. This has led to calls for better health education.

Health authorities in China have conducted a survey on the public's health literacy, which includes basic disease prevention knowledge and fist aid skills.

The survey covers some 100-thusand people between the age of 15 and 69.

Mao Qun'an, a spokesperson for the National Health and Family Planning Commission, announced the latest statistics.

"In 2012, Chinese urban and rural residents' health literacy rate was 8.8-percent. In other words, among 100 people from 15 to 69 of age, some 8.8 of them have basic health knowledge, knowing what healthy life style is and equipped with relevant skills."

The figure sees a slight increase compared to 2008, with a significant progress in the popularization of first aid skills.

A report on the survey shows the rise is largely due to the government's publicity efforts, and people's rising awareness on healthy lifestyle.

However, Guo Jianyang, director of the relief and aid division of Red Cross Society of China, says the spread of first aid knowledge is still not wide enough.

"The rate here is still too low, compared to those of 50 to 80-percent in developed countries. In Beijing, an ambulance will arrive about 15 minutes after an emergency call, but it's still late, because the first ten minutes are most effective for first aid. Many more lives could be saved if there was someone nearby who could provide first aid immediately."

The report also shows the growing number of people with chronic diseases contributes 80-percent to the mortality rate in China.

There are over 90-million diabetics in China, and at least 200-million have high blood pressure.

The health commission's survey indicates people don't know much about chronic diseases, let alone life-saving techniques.

Experts say China needs to further promote health education, especially in rural areas and among students and the elderly.

Meantime, the government should set up a national monitoring system, and make promoting health literacy part of the guideline of economic and social development.