GLOBAL: WHO adopts global alcohol strategy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially adopted its 'Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol at the World Health Assembly' taking place in Geneva this week.

The strategy calls on governments of the WHO’s 194 member states to take active policy measures to combat alcohol-related harm.

Member states were urged to adopt the strategy “to complement and support public health policies and to mobilise political will and financial resources”.

The strategy covers a range of policy areas including health services, community action, drink-driving, the availability and marketing of alcohol, public health campaigns, pricing and illicit production.

Along with government representatives, public health organisations and NGOs, drinks companies participated in a consultation process prior to the drafting of the strategy which began two years ago.

The Global Alcohol Producers Group (GAP), representing many of the world's leading wine, spirits and beer producers, today welcomed the WHO strategy as "important and constructive".

Spokesperson Carol Clark said: "Members of GAP Group plan to work constructively with the WHO and member states to help promote implementation of the strategy by supporting and contributing to feasible and effective policies that reduce harmful drinking."

Click here for the draft strategy adopted by the executive board in January that was put to the
WHA this week.