At its meeting on 22 January 2005, the World Health Organisation Executive Board approved a draft resolution to be presented for adoption by the World Health Assembly in May on “ Public Health Problems caused by harmful use of alcohol ” which emphasises the influence of alcohol consumption on public health.
The WHO notes that alcohol in Europe causes 9.2% of all ill-health and premature death. Between 40% and 60% of deaths from intentional and unintentional injury are attributable to alcohol consumption. The total societal costs of alcohol amount to between 1% and 3% of the gross domestic product in the European region.
Globally, the World Health Report 2002 - Reducing risks, promoting healthy life - indicates that “3.2% of all deaths globally are attributed to alcohol”.
This resolution urges Member-States
to implement effective strategies and programmes to reduce social consequences of harmful use of alcohol,
to strengthen engagement from civil society, including NGOs, industry associations and the private sector.
It also requests that WHO Headquarters
better coordinate international efforts and,
produce a report about strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. This report will be presented to the 60th World Health Assembly (in 2007).
EPHA member active on alcohol-related harm in Europe EUROCARE welcomed the Resolution and noted that 5% of European adults are addicted to alcohol.
Related EPHA Briefing about Alcohol and Young People
