Training program on evidence-based alcohol policies in developing countries

The training program on evidence-based alcohol policies was developed in its first version in 2009. The program was first tested in three countries, then revised and further implemented in four more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Norwegian NGOs FORUT and Blue Cross have been responsible for the project, with financial support from International Federation of Blue Cross (IFBC).

It is well established that the development or strengthening of evidence-based legal frameworks, as well as the effective implementation thereof, is the key to protecting populations from alcohol related diseases and harm. It is the objective of the training program to contribute to the development of such frameworks.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Seven countries in the Southern-African region have so far been covered with training sessions. Local implementation is done in cooperation with NGOs, government ministries and national WHO offices. A training session normally lasts three days. The following countries have been involved so far: 2009: Botswana and Malawi; 2010: Namibia and Chad; 2011: Lesotho and Madagascar and 2012: Zambia (two sessions).

The program promotes the transfer of knowledge to key stakeholders in selected developing countries. In due course the material will be made available to all who want to build capacity in the field of alcohol policy.

Alcohol No Ordinary Commodity

The content of the training is based on internationally recognized research as presented in the study ‘Alcohol; No Ordinary Commodity` and a number of WHO documents such as the Global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol (2010). This evidence-base gives clear directions to the formulation of effective interventions against alcohol-related harm that will protect the populations against an increased disease burden.

Context sensitive training

The training program is based on well tested thematic modules that a trainer can hold separately or combined as a three-day training. The modules are context sensitive and designed to ensure a participatory approach. Highly qualified persons in this field are used as resource persons to safeguard the quality of the trainings. The project has built relationships with a number of researchers and other key persons worldwide. This includes a reference group of alcohol policy experts from all over the globe.

The first day of the three-day training starts with identifying the problems related to alcohol in the country or place the training is held. On the second day the emphasis is on sharing ways in which the harmful use of alcohol can be effectively prevented. The third day is action focused, and spent identifying ways of using this knowledge when facing the challenges at hand. A plan for follow up is then designed by the participants at the training.

Partnership with civil society

Working in partnership with civil society organizations in Southern-Africa, the training program is found to have significant positive impact on national alcohol policies that are being developed or revised in countries in the region. It has also been instrumental in establishing national alcohol policy alliances. Furthermore, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) was first initiated during the project’s Training of Trainers which took place in Uganda in 2010. SAAPA was formalized during the Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Forum in Johannesburg in November 2012.

The project is about to finalize a training package. The material and training modules developed by the project will be made available online for any person or organization for use in their setting. The material and content is well tested. The project is open to having an advisory role when other actors are interested in using the material. This material will also be made available in French.

Counterbalance to vested interests

It is imperative to counter the strategies and activities that the global alcohol industry is implementing in African countries. With its rapid economic growth and young populations, the region is the current hot-spot for an industry looking to recruit new consumers. This is proceeding in a manner which, if left unchallenged, will lead to an increased burden of disease in the region. This project is addressing a key challenge in Africa today. It is unique in its kind and deeply needed on the African continent.

For further information, please contact:

Project manager Torunn Saether, Blue Cross Norway: torunn.saether@blakors.no

Øystein Bakke and Dag Endal in FORUT: oystein@forut.no and dag@forut.no