News
Alcohol in a globalized world
Global Hangover
Swedish journalist Pierre Andersson has investigated the effects of globalization of alcohol. His conclusion in the newly published book "Global Hangover" is simple: alcohol is an obstacle to development.2008-06-19
Health and Development book:
"Alcohol: Health Risk and Development Issue"
Alcohol constitutes a double-sided problem in the developing world: on one hand, drinking is in many places a severe and additional burden to the poor and underprivileged, and on the other hand, we also see that new drinking habits, increasing consumption levels, and rising problems occur among a growing middle class in a number of countries. 2008-06-16
New research reports:
Men drink, women suffer - also in Malawi
”When he’s drunk, he becomes mad, he talks at the top of his voice, he beats me and he eats all the relish in the pot, which is not good. I am like a slave to him. I am not happy at all. I don’t enjoy marriage because we have no food, he spends his money on drinking and he comes home late’.
2008-06-09
World Health Organization to develop a global strategy to reduce alcohol related harm
In its session Thursday 22 May the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution that calls for the development of a global strategy to reduce harmful consumption of alcohol. The Global Alcohol Policy Alliance welcomes the decision.
2008-05-22
Alcohol prevention on the agenda of the World Health Assembly
This week the World Health Assembly is in session at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. A resolution calling for a global strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm is on the agenda.
2008-05-21
Drinks industry supplanting government role in alcohol policies in Sub-Saharan Africa
In a number of Sub-Saharan countries the drinks industry has usurped a governmental role by designing national alcohol policies. Its motive is clearly to safeguard its own vested interests – by directing the development of alcohol policies!
2008-05-19
International expert meeting: Alcohol research must be protected from industry influence
To protect the integrity and legitimacy of alcohol research, there should be no funding relationship between the alcohol industry and the research community. This was the conclusion from an expert meeting in Dublin, 15-16 May, where experiences with the industry from Europe, the US and the South were presented.
2008-05-19
UNODC calls for a comprehensive approach to drug problems
Some have perceived a contradiction between drug prevention and treatment on the one hand and efforts to reduce the negative health and social consequences of drug use on the other. However, in a new discussion paper, UNODC says that these are in fact complementary rather than contradictory.
Some have perceived a contradiction between drug prevention and treatment on the one hand and efforts to reduce the negative health and social consequences of drug use on the other. However, in a new discussion paper, UNODC says that these are in fact complementary rather than contradictory. 2008-01-30
WHO Board adopts resolution calling for a global strategy
The Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) passed on the 22nd of January a resolution that will be recommended to the World Health Assembly in May this year, asking for a global strategy on harmful use of alcohol.
2008-01-23
New study on alcohol's role in chronic poverty in Uganda
Drinking into deeper povertyAn on-going study by the Development Research And Training in Uganda and the International Chronic Poverty Research Centre is exploring the links between excessive alcohol consumption and poverty. A first result is a Policy Brief aimed for a cross-section of development practitioners and policy makers.
2007-11-26
New statistics presented: HIV prevalence has levelled off
New data show that global HIV prevalence – the number of people living with HIV – has levelled off. The number of new infections has fallen. This was the conclusion drawn by UNAIDS when new AIDS statistics were presented.
New data show that global HIV prevalence – the number of people living with HIV – has levelled off. The number of new infections has fallen. This was the conclusion drawn by UNAIDS when new AIDS statistics were presented.2007-11-23
UNGASS 2009: UN review of international conventions on narcotic drugs
The United Nations has started a process to assess the results of the international efforts to combat illicit drugs and to review the international conventions on narcotic drugs. The process will be completed with a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGASS) in New York in 2009.
2007-10-16
Editorial in The Lancet calls for a Framework Convention on Alcohol Control
The influential medical journal The Lancet has in a recent editorial called for a Framework Convention on Alcohol Control. The journal says that next year's World Health Assembly provides a crucial opportunity for WHO and member states to make those first steps towards a global treaty to reduce alcohol-related harm.
2007-10-08
UNODC: Significant and positive changes in world drugs markets
- Whereas a few years ago the world appeared to be heading for an epidemic of drug abuse, growing evidence suggests that the problem is being brought under control. This was the conclusion of the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Antonio Maria Costa, when the 2007 edition of the World Drug Report was presented in Vienna.
- Whereas a few years ago the world appeared to be heading for an epidemic of drug abuse, growing evidence suggests that the problem is being brought under control. This was the conclusion of the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Antonio Maria Costa, when the 2007 edition of the World Drug Report was presented in Vienna.2007-07-05
Alcohol controversial item at World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly in Geneva in May discussed strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. In spite of broad support from many of the WHO member countries to a resolution calling for global action on the harmful use of alcohol, the discussion ended in a stalemate. The WHO Executive Board will take up the issue again in its meeting in January next year.
2007-06-20
New tool kit for development agencies
A new tool kit for development agencies was presented by FORUT at a conference in Oslo today. The tools shall make it easier for NGOs and governments to include aspects of alcohol and drug prevention in their programs and projects. This web site is one of the tools in the new kit.
A new tool kit for development agencies was presented by FORUT at a conference in Oslo today. The tools shall make it easier for NGOs and governments to include aspects of alcohol and drug prevention in their programs and projects. This web site is one of the tools in the new kit.2007-06-20
UN Anti-Drugs Campaign to be launched on the 26th of June
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOCD) will use the 26th of June, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to launch a new anti-drugs campaign. Slogan: "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOCD) will use the 26th of June, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to launch a new anti-drugs campaign. Slogan: "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."2007-06-20
African Journal: Role of substance abuse in the African HIV/AIDS epidemic
The latest issue of the African Journal of Drug and Alcohol studies is devoted to broadening the knowledge base on the role of alcohol and drugs in the spreading of HIV/AIDS in Africa. New research material is presented from Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
2007-06-20
A chequered year for drug control
2006 was a mixed year for international drug control, with both good and bad news. This is the conclusion of UNODC – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – in their Annual Report 2007, which covers activities in 2006.
2006 was a mixed year for international drug control, with both good and bad news. This is the conclusion of UNODC – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – in their Annual Report 2007, which covers activities in 2006.2007-05-16
New recommendations from WHO Expert Committee
Today the report from the WHO Expert Committee on Problems Related to Alcohol Consumption was presented. The Commitee urges the World Health Organization to continue to play a leading role in coordinating a global response to the global nature of alcohol problems. It also recommends that WHO continue its practice of no collaboration with the alcohol industry.
2007-05-08
Alcohol as a development issue discussed in Oslo and Stockholm
- In South Africa we have one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world, combined with very risky patterns of drinking. There is an urgent need to raise awareness about the threat of alcohol consumption to development in the Southern African region (Dr. Neo Morojele, picture)
- In South Africa we have one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world, combined with very risky patterns of drinking. There is an urgent need to raise awareness about the threat of alcohol consumption to development in the Southern African region (Dr. Neo Morojele, picture)2007-04-30
Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviour
A number of patterns of interaction exist between alcohol use and sexual risk taking. This is one of the findings of the WHO study “Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviour: A Cross-Cultural Study in Eight Countries”. This has implications for prevention programmes, both in the alcohol and in the hiv/aids field.
2007-04-25
World Health Assembly set to discuss alcohol
The Health ministers from all over the world will discuss the health burden of alcohol in the forthcoming World Health Assembly to be held in Geneva 14-23 May. This is the follow up of the WHA resolution 58.26 Public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol, from 2005, the first WHA resolution exclusively on alcohol since 1983. The documents for the alcohol issue are now available on the WHO site.
2007-04-25
New legislation in Sri Lanka
- The new Parliament Act on alcohol and tobacco control is a major breakthrough for public health promotion in Sri Lanka. And just as important, we have experienced how youth of a country can be a powerful force that can be effectively mobilized to take care of public health policies, says Pubudu Sumanasekara, the director of ADIC, the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre in Colombo.
2006-09-29
Alcohol: No ordinary commodity
The summary of the book by Thomas Babor and a team of researchers, Alcohol: No ordinary Commodity; research and public policy is now available for free on the web site of the journal Addiction. Comments to the various chapters of the book can also be downloaded from the site.
The summary of the book by Thomas Babor and a team of researchers, Alcohol: No ordinary Commodity; research and public policy is now available for free on the web site of the journal Addiction. Comments to the various chapters of the book can also be downloaded from the site.2007-03-02
Policy papers on alcohol industry
AlcoholPolicyMD.com is a website dedicated to promoting physician and community action on alcohol and health. Two policy papers published by the American Medical Association focus on the alcohol industry, its structure and organization and ask if it partner or foe?
Sri Lankan youth mobilizing in support of new Alcohol Act
The new Sri Lankan youth organization, 4U, is now mobilizing young people in support of the new Tobacco and Alcohol Act. They have started a signature campaign to collect one million signatures for an effective implementation of the new regulations on sale and promotion of alcohol and tobacco. A rather unique action, which has not been seen in many countries before.
The new Sri Lankan youth organization, 4U, is now mobilizing young people in support of the new Tobacco and Alcohol Act. They have started a signature campaign to collect one million signatures for an effective implementation of the new regulations on sale and promotion of alcohol and tobacco. A rather unique action, which has not been seen in many countries before.2006-12-22
Alcohol and drugs included in Norway's HIV and AIDS position paper
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published its HIV and AIDS policy in the form of a position paper in development cooperation. In the document the growing understanding of alcohol's role in the spread of the infection is reflected.
2006-11-30
Appeal to WHO: Framework Convention on Alcohol Control
The American Public Health Alliance (APHA) has urged the World Health Organization to adopt and implement a binding international treaty modelled after the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
2006-11-27
EU Process leads to alcohol strategy
Based two reports and an extensive consultation process the European Commission on October 24 adopted a Communication setting out a strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm.
2006-10-28
FORUT contributes in WHO online survey
In September WHO asked NGOs and other stakeholders to contribute their views on two questions related to alcohol and public health: 1) The magnitude of health related problems related to alcohol consumption and 2) Effective interventions to reduce health problems related to alcohol consumption.
Read FORUTs contribution here.
Read FORUTs contribution here.
2006-10-04
Asia Pacific Alcohol Alliance formed
During an Alcohol Policy conference in Bangkok i August the Asia Pacific Alcohol Policy Alliance (APAPA) was launched.
2006-09-29
FORUT joins Worldalcohol.net
FORUT has joined a new network of NGOs which is set up to facilitate WHO-NGO communication in the wake of the WHA 58.26 resolution on Public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol.
2006-09-29
A call for action: Influencing the GATS negotiations
Some of the discussions under the GATS Agreement are of great importance for the future of national alcohol control policies, not the least in developing countries where we see increasing alcohol consumption as a result of economic development.
2006-09-29
“The promise of youth” - new booklet
The multinational beer and liquor giants have designated the developing countries as their new growth sector for alcohol, since consumption in Western countries appears to be stagnating. And the large youth populations of developing societies will naturally be target group no 1. A new booklet from FORUT – “The promise of youth” – provides some snapshots of this development with examples from India, Sri Lanka and Malawi.
The multinational beer and liquor giants have designated the developing countries as their new growth sector for alcohol, since consumption in Western countries appears to be stagnating. And the large youth populations of developing societies will naturally be target group no 1. A new booklet from FORUT – “The promise of youth” – provides some snapshots of this development with examples from India, Sri Lanka and Malawi.2006-09-28
CWIN studies impact of advertisements of alcohol and tobacco on children in Nepal
FORUT partner Child Workers in Nepal, Concerned Centre (CWIN) has published the report "Impact of Advertisements of Alcohol and Tobacco on Children" based on a study done Nepal. The young people in Nepal consider television advertising to be the most influential instrument in promoting alcohol use among youth and children.
2006-06-07
Anti-alcohol Campaign and its impact on Children
The maoist rebels in Nepal have taken a strong stance against alcohol. The result of their campaigns has been the topic for a study by Child Workers in Nepal, Concerned Centre (CWIN), a partner of FORUT. While the anti alcohol campaign has made some impact, the study suggest that rather than taking a prohibition approach the campaign would be more sustainable if the communities were mobilised.
2006-06-07
Journal of Public Health Policy special edition on alcohol marketing and youth
Journal of Public Health Policy carried a special section on Alcohol marketing and youth - public health perspectives in 2005. David H. Jernigan and Jams F. Mosher were the Special Section Editors.
2006-06-01
Brazil's New Closing Time
Tima Magazine report on how one city's decision to shut down bars before midnight has served as a model for cutting crime and alcoholism in a nation plagued by both.
2006-06-01
BBC Documentary on Alcohol
In a four program series the BBC World Service focused on the global aspects of alcohol. The four programmes are availabel for listening or download from the BBC World Service.
2006-05-29
BBC Documentary on Alcohol
In a four program series the BBC World Service focused on the global aspects of alcohol. The four programmes are availabel for listening or download from the BBC World Service.
2006-05-26
Book: ”Strategies to Address Alcohol Problems”
Professor Diyanath Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka, and FORUT has written the book ”Strategies to Address Alcohol Problems”. The book is a tool to achieve better results in alcohol prevention highly relevant in developing countries, as well as countries with a Western drinking culture and political tradition.
Professor Diyanath Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka, and FORUT has written the book ”Strategies to Address Alcohol Problems”. The book is a tool to achieve better results in alcohol prevention highly relevant in developing countries, as well as countries with a Western drinking culture and political tradition.
Three Billion Reasons
Norways recently published Development Strategy for Children and Young People in the South, "Three Billion Reasons" is mentioning alcohol and drug as a problem for this group. Says Minister of International Development, Hilde F. Johnson: “There is not just one reason for working to promote the well-being and rights of children and young people. There are three billion of them.”
2005-06-30
World Health Assembly adopts alcohol resolution
The 58 World Health Assebly has adopted a resolution calling on WHO to examine public health problems caused by the harmful use of alcohol.
2005-05-25
Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance launched in Delhi
In May the Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance was officially launched with a seminar i Delhi. The alliance, an affiliate to the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance and a partner to FORUT, will be advocating for alcohol control policies in India.
2005-05-24
WHO launches Global Alcohol Policy Report
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently published the Global Status Report: Alcohol Policy. It aims to describe the present status of existing alcohol policies worldwide. The report is based on a review of existing policies in 118 countries and provides a brief snapshot of what is known about the effectiveness of alcohol policy measures.
2004-09-06
Alcohol and Poverty in Sri Lanka
The research report "Alcohol and Poverty in Sri Lanka" is the result of a study by the Norwegian researcher Bergljot Baklien and the Sri Lankan Professor Diyanath Samarasinghe. The studiy is commissioned by FORUT as part of its focus on Alcohol, Drugs and Development. The report is now available on the net (pdf) and with the full text of the Summary on this page.
2004-05-13
Alcohol, Drugs and Development Strategy
FORUT, Campaign for Development and Solidarity, is a Norwegian NGO in the field of development aid. Since 1981 FORUT has been involved in development assistance in Africa and Asia. FORUT has a special emphasis on alcohol and drugs as a cause of poverty and hindrance to development.
Alcohol and Drug Use among Street Children in Nepal
Sumnima Tuladhar of CWIN presented the results of a study on alcohol and drug use among street children in six urban centres in Nepal at a FORUT conference recently. The children are very much affected by glue sniffing.
2002-11-28
Alcohol Included in Norwegian Poverty Action Plan
Consultation with NGOs in preperation of the the Action Plan "Fighting Poverty" released by the Norwegian Government recently led to the mentioning of alcohol in it.
2002-06-15
 |
"As economic development occurs, alcohol consumption and resulting problems are likely to rise with increasing incomes."
|
 |
Latest articles on ADD
Closing the gap in health inequities in a generation is the ambitious goal described in the report from the WHO Commission on Social Determinants on Health. (Photo: WHO)
The Government of Malawi and the Norwegian development NGO FORUT recently signed an agreement to cooperate on alcohol and drug prevention.
NGOs worldwide are now invited to join an information sharing network connected to the WHO process leading up to a Global Strategy on alcohol.
“The continued abuse of alcohol is one of the greatest obstacles to Botswana’s Vision 2016 ideal of an HIV free nation by 2016”. This was said by President Ian Khama speaking at a World Aids Day commemoration in of Botswana.
2008-12-04
Alcohol policy discussions in Malawi
“As a developing country Malawi cannot afford to divert our scarce resources from basic needs such as education and food to alcohol consumption”.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and FORUT – The Norwegian Campaign for Development and Solidarity invite Malawian civil society organizations and government institutions to a conference in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.
2008-10-06
WHO public hearingIn a press release 2 October WHO invites all interested parties to participate in a web-based public hearing to present their views on effective strategies to reduce the burden resulting from the harmful use of alcohol. WHO was asked by its Member States in May at the World Health Assembly to develop a global strategy to combat the harmful use of alcohol. The hearing is a part of this work. Submissions must be given before 31 October.
2008-06-19
Global HangoverSwedish journalist Pierre Andersson has investigated the effects of globalization of alcohol. His conclusion in the newly published book "Global Hangover" is simple: alcohol is an obstacle to development.
Alcohol constitutes a double-sided problem in the developing world: on one hand, drinking is in many places a severe and additional burden to the poor and underprivileged, and on the other hand, we also see that new drinking habits, increasing consumption levels, and rising problems occur among a growing middle class in a number of countries.
2008-06-09
Men drink, women suffer - also in Malawi”When he’s drunk, he becomes mad, he talks at the top of his voice, he beats me and he eats all the relish in the pot, which is not good. I am like a slave to him. I am not happy at all. I don’t enjoy marriage because we have no food, he spends his money on drinking and he comes home late’.
Developed with CustomPublish CMS by Nettinfo AS