Trouble Brewing – Making The Case For Alcohol Policy
Four major global health organizations, including IOGT International, warn that countries are ignoring the harms of alcohol consumption
Alcohol is a leading contributor to death and disability worldwide, but governments haven’t responded to the issue with the attention, resources and action this urgent issue requires, says “Trouble Brewing,” a new report from global health and development organizations, Vital Strategies, the NCD Alliance, IOGT International and the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA).
The report debunks misconceptions about alcohol use, exposes industry tactics to market to youth and women and derail regulation, and emphasizes the urgency of implementing proven, evidence-based policies.
Alcohol is a leading contributor to death and disability worldwide, yet the global public health response to the harms of alcohol use is not commensurate with alcohol’s social, economic and health burden.
Alcohol causes seven types of cancer, but only very few people know about this. Alcohol is a major obstacle to sustainable development, adversely affecting 13 of 17 SDGs,” said Kristina Sperkova, International President of IOGT International.
‘Trouble Brewing’ clearly shows the social justice dimension of alcohol-related harm and how we can build a better world for all by curbing Big Alcohol and implementing high-impact, cost-effective and evidence-based best buy alcohol policy solutions.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, approximately three million people die each year as a result of alcohol consumption. More than half of these deaths are from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer and heart disease. Many millions more suffer as a consequence of their own or someone else`s alcohol use. Alcohol is also a cause of mental disorders, and plays a role in susceptibility to diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). The economic toll amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars, and alcohol-related harm is a significant burden to health and development in low- and middle-income countries.
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For further reading:
Download the report for free (PDF)
