Edward Leung is the president of a very active continence association. Hong Kong is not only one of China’s key cities, but is also a hub for the Chinese-speaking population the world over.

"Many within our cultural sphere who have problems with incontinence turn to us, wherever they may live," Leung says. He says he sees it as his organisation’s responsibility to offer adequate information about incontinence to any Chinese person, wherever in the world they may live.

"Adapting our services to the many cultural variations in the world is a huge challenge. We deal with dialects and traditions and translate terminology so that it’s understandable," he says. A network of Chinese committees works to make information universal and comprehensible.

Leung says that most general hospitals in Hong Kong now have an incontinence ward. His organisation contributes by holding scientific meetings, maintaining a telephone hotline, distributing a newsletter and organising exhibitions.

Another new direction is running education opportunities for health care professionals who want to learn more about the treatment of incontinence. Recently the group held a urodynamic workshop and a training seminar on the overactive bladder.

TEXT GABOR HONT PHOTO MARTTI KAINULAINEN/LEHTIKUVA