How can the harm caused by alcohol be reduced globally? That’s one of the discussion points at the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance summit, being held in Cape Town. The spokesperson for the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance, Terri-Liza Fortein says harm caused by alcohol is costly, for everyone involved, including government departments.
Reducing harm caused by alcohol
The summit is hosted by the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA), and the Department of Social Development.
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Members of the Global Community have descended on the Mother City to chart a way forward to reduce alcohol harm. The harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions.
7th Biennial Global Alcohol Policy Conference
3 million people from across the globe die every year, from the harmful use of alcohol. This is 5.3% of all deaths recorded in the world.
According to the conference organizers, overall, 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury is attributable to alcohol, as measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Beyond health consequences, the harmful use of alcohol brings significant social and economic losses to individuals and society at large.
3 million global deaths
Alcohol consumption causes death and disability relatively early in life. In people aged 20–39 years, approximately 13.5% of total deaths are attributable to alcohol harm. There is a causal relationship between the harmful use of alcohol and a range of mental and behavioural disorders, other non-communicable conditions, and injuries.
MORE ABOUT: The Alcohol Policy Conference
Professor Charles Parry from the Medical Research Council (SAMRC) said in the South African context he would like to see movement on legislation.
“We want the Liquor Amendment Bill to be passed, there has not been action for the last six years, so it is opportune that we see this conference in South Africa reducing the burden from harmful use of alcohol,” said Parry.
Participants from over 50 countries are attending this year’s conference. The Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) was last held in Dublin.
Parry added, “”Health, safety, and socioeconomic problems attributable to alcohol can be reduced when governments formulate and implement appropriate policies.”
The event is being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
