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Dhaka/New Delhi 23, August, 2006: South-East Asian societies are in
transition amidst changing states of growth and development due to macro and
micro level influences. The shift from agrarian to modern societies has led
to people changing emotionally, culturally and socially and this influences
every sphere of their lives. People are embracing new lifestyles, cultures
and practices, giving rise to new problems such as increasing use and abuse
of alcohol.
The adult per capita consumption in the South-East Asia
Region has almost doubled in the last decade. This is in contrast to the
declining patterns in the Americas
and Europe.
It is well established that an increase in alcohol
consumption by a community or a nation leads to a higher proportion of
persons with what can be considered problem use (abuse/harmful use) and
addiction (dependence). Harm from alcohol use has a significantly adverse
impact on the lives and most notably, on the health of affected persons and
their families. Simultaneously, there is a substantial socio-economic impact
on the communities. Thus, policy makers in nations facing increasing alcohol
consumption should pay urgent attention to alcohol control policies.
There is an urgent need to focus on prevention of harm
from alcohol use and abuse in countries of the Region, both from the
perspectives of health promotion as well as social development. There is
considerable international evidence which identifies components of successful
programmes.
There are a wide range of alcohol control policy options,
such as; taxation and other price control measures, regulating the physical
availability of alcohol, measures against drink-driving, regulating alcohol
production and distribution, advertising restrictions, promoting community
action, education and persuasion, modifying the drinking context, early
intervention and treatment services and cost-effectiveness of interventions.
It is more effective to incorporate a range of measures in
a comprehensive alcohol control strategy. It is the policy ‘mix’ or finding
the right balance that is the key in reducing the
overall public health burden caused by alcohol consumption.
The goal of a comprehensive, effective and sustainable
alcohol control policy can only be attained by ensuring the active and
committed involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Alcohol control
strategies need a high degree of public awareness and support in order to be
implemented successfully. Without sufficient popular support, enforcement of
any restriction is jeopardized, leading to possible resistance and
circumvention.
Multiple agencies, for example, ministries of law,
revenue, agriculture, the customs department, law enforcement departments,
medical associations and NGOs should all work together for a clear
formulation and effective implementation of a rational, integrated and
comprehensive alcohol control policy.
A research study commissioned by WHO SEARO conducted in
Bangalore, India has estimated that while gains in terms of revenue from
alcohol sales are INR 216 billion every year, losses from the adverse effects
of alcohol are estimated to be INR 244 billion, apart from immeasurable
losses due to multiple and rollover effects of alcohol consumption. Needless
to say, the available estimates are merely the tip of the iceberg. The
seeming gain from the existing alcohol control policies i.e. the revenue from
excise taxes ends up being spent to counter the effects of alcohol use in the
medium- and long-term. Similarly short-term gains of economic development
such as establishing new breweries end up with social mal-development; which
is compounded with inefficient enforcement of rules and regulations.
Countries and communities should search for policies that
protect and promote health, prevent harm and address the many social problems
associated with alcohol use.
For further information please contact: Mrs Harsaran
Pandey-Regional Information Officer, local mobile : 0171-5999-869 email : pandeyh@searo.who.int and Mr
Iqbal Kabir, Mobile : 0171-1-419232
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