The year 2026 marks the 74th anniversary of the Patriotic Health Campaign in China. Launched in the early 1950s, the campaign was aimed at raising levels of sanitation and hygiene and controlling diseases. Over its history, it has helped to achieve enormous improvements in public health for the people of China. The 38th National Patriotic Public Health Month is observed under the theme "Building Healthy Cities and Towns, Fortifying Our Health Defense."

You might wonder: what does patriotism have to do with hygiene?

Patriotism is never an abstract slogan — taking care of your dormitory home is a concrete act of patriotism. A clean and tidy living space and a healthy body are your personal contributions to the nation's health defense.

Here at HKUST(GZ), our dormitories offer excellent living conditions — each student has a private bedroom, with shared living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms within each suite. This comfort requires the joint effort of every resident to maintain. The Student Dormitory Management Center hereby issues the following initiative to all residential students:

I. Private Bedrooms — Your Personal Space, Your Responsibility

Keep your desk and wardrobe organized, and maintain a tidy bed. Dispose of trash daily and ensure proper ventilation. Store snacks in sealed containers to prevent attracting pests. A clean personal space is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

II. Common Areas — Shared Spaces, Shared Duty

Each suite is equipped with a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Suite mates are encouraged to clean kitchen appliances promptly after use, keep the sink area dry, and remove living room trash in a timely manner. A clean and tidy shared environment requires the joint effort of every member.

III. Vector Control — Scientific Prevention Starts with Small Habits

Eliminating standing water is key to mosquito prevention. Storing food in sealed containers helps keep cockroaches and rodents at bay. Keeping floor drains clear prevents odors and insect breeding. These small habits are effective measures for infectious disease prevention.

IV. Healthy Living — Be the First Person Responsible for Your Own Health

Students are encouraged to maintain a regular daily routine, a balanced diet, and adequate physical activity. The university is well‑equipped with sports facilities, including playing fields and greenways. In addition, counseling service stations are available in the dormitory buildings, reflecting the university's commitment to students' mental health. Every student is the first person responsible for their own health.

Patriotism is a sentiment; hygiene is action. The Student Dormitory Management Center will continue to integrate the Patriotic Health Campaign into students' daily dormitory life, guiding everyone to start with small actions — a tidy room, a clean common area, a healthy routine.

Let us join hands and safeguard our HKUST(GZ) home with clean environments and healthy bodies!