World Health Assembly adopts alcohol resolution

The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). Between 16-25 May more than 2200 people from WHOs 192 Member States, nongovernmental organizations and other observers attended the meeting in Geneva. Among other important health issues it discussed the problems caused by the harmful use of alcohol.

The Assembly adopted the resolution calling on WHO to examine public health problems caused by the harmful use of alcohol. Changing global drinking patterns, rising rates of consumption, and drinking to excess particularly among young people are some of the factors which contribute to the harmful use of alcohol becoming one of the leading risks to health. It now results in 4% of the global burden of disease as a causal factor in more than 60 diseases, including cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, road traffic injuries and death, and high-risk behaviours.

In consultation with a range of stakeholders, WHO will conduct assessments of these public health problems and develop effective policies, strategies and interventions to assist Member States to address and reduce them.

Download the text from WHO home page:
WHA58.26: Public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol

More information:
Fifty-eighth World Health Assembly on the web