$7 million partnership will test healthy-ageing care in Hong Kong

A new four-year initiative involving WHO and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) will develop and test a Multi-component Healthy Ageing Package in Hong Kong SAR (China). [1] Supported by approximately US$ 7 million from the Institute of Philanthropy and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the collaboration will also develop regional guidance and support country adaptation, with work starting in 2027. [1] Why it matters: The Western Pacific has more than 245 million people aged 65 or older, a population projected to double by 2050. Meanwhile, the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy widened from 9.1 years in 2000 to 10.0 years in 2023, making preserved function—not simply longer life—the programme’s target. [1] Key insights: The initiative centres on maintaining functional ability and helping older people live well in their communities. [1] | Its two-part design links development and testing in Hong Kong SAR (China) with adaptable guidance, country demonstrations and regional learning. [1] | Regional adaptation will involve interested Member States; the announcement does not establish a uniform rollout across the Western Pacific. [1] Cheatsheet facts: What happened: WHO, CUHK and philanthropic partners launched a four-year healthy-ageing initiative backed by approximately US$ 7 million. [1] | Why: The regional population aged 65 or older is projected to double by 2050, while the gap between total and healthy life expectancy has widened. [1] | The catch: The care package still needs development and testing, and regional use will require adaptation to participating countries’ contexts. [1] | What's next: Starting in 2027, the collaboration will generate evidence, develop regional guidance and support country adaptation. [1]