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WHO to reduce harmful use of alcohol globally

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-21 05:15

GENEVA -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday adopted a global strategy aimed at reducing the harmful use of alcohol which is considered to be one of the main risk factors for poor health.

The strategy, the result of nearly two years of consultations, was adopted by consensus at the UN agency's annual health assembly, which was participated by delegates from its 193 members states.

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The non-binding document called on the WHO's member governments to take the "primary responsibility" for formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating public policies to reduce alcohol abuse.

"Sustained political commitment, effective coordination, sustainable funding and appropriate engagement of subnational governments as well as from civil society and economic operators are essential for success," it said.

The document recommends that governments take public health measures to regulate the commercial or public availability of alcohol so as to reduce the general level of harmful use.

Measures in this respect include introducing a licensing system on retail sales of alcohol, or public health-oriented government monopolies; regulating days and hours of retail sales; regulating retail sales in certain places or during special events, etc.

Reducing the impact of advertising or promotion activities on young people and adolescents is an important consideration in reducing harmful use of alcohol, according to the WHO strategy.

"Alcohol is marketed through increasingly sophisticated advertising and promotion techniques, including linking alcohol brands to sports and cultural activities ... and new marketing techniques such as e-mails, SMS and podcasting, social media ..." the document said.

"A precautionary approach to protecting young people against these marketing techniques should be considered," it said, suggesting such measures as restricting or banning promotions in connection with activities targeting young people.

Other measures recommended include adequate tax collection and enforcement; banning or restricting the use of direct and indirect price promotions, discount sales, etc. providing price incentives for non-alcoholic beverages, and so on.

It is estimated 2.5 million people worldwide died of alcohol- related causes in 2004, including some 320,000 young people between 15 and 29 years of age, the WHO said.