WHO Calls Nations to Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a resolution aimed at lowering alcohol use rates worldwide, citing marketing guidelines and price regulation as two of ten policies that could assist with this goal. “The more affordable alcohol is — the lower its price, or the more disposable income people have — the more it is consumed and the greater level of related harm in both high- and low-income countries,” WHO warns. “Modelling [sic] shows that setting a minimum price per unit gram of alcohol reduces consumption and alcohol-related harm.”

WHO points out the deadly effects of alcohol, stating that binge drinking in youths and other abuse of alcohol is responsible for approximately four percent of deaths across the globe and that alcohol ranks eighth among leading causes of mortality. The organization goes on to cite other harmful consequences of alcohol use, including an increased risk for certain types of cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and some cardiovascular diseases. In the resolution, WHO also points out that alcohol is linked to communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and TB, as well as being a contributor to car crashes, suicides, and violence.