EVERYTHING IS SET FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL WORLD ALCOHOL POLICY CONFERENCE
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.By: Muofhe Masekoameng Phathutshedzo As the world community gathers in Mother City to map out a course for reducing alcohol harm, the Department of Social Development, the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) have confirmed that all arrangements have been made for the 7th Annual World Alcohol Policy Conference.Alcohol abuse is a contributing factor to over 200 illnesses that result in morbidity and injuries.An estimated 3 million deaths worldwide are caused by alcohol abuse each year. This amounts to 5.3% of all fatalities. Professor Charles Parry from the Medical Research Council said that “Since there hasn’t been any movement on the Liquor Amendment Bill for the past six years, it’s appropriate that this meeting in South Africa is taking place to lessen the impact of alcohol abuse. Governments can mitigate the negative effects of alcohol on health, safety, and socioeconomic issues by developing and enforcing suitable legislation”.He also recommended that policymakers should use strategies that have been shown to be economical and effective. They include: ⁃ controlling the marketing of alcoholic beverages ; ⁃ restricting the supply of alcohol; ⁃ passing laws pertaining to driving after intoxication; ⁃ lowering demand through mechanisms of pricing and taxation, amongst others.
