WHO gets nod to tackle harmful use of alcohol Thu May 22, 2008
By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to draw up a global strategy to tackle youth binge drinking and other forms of harmful alcohol consumption blamed for 2.3 million deaths a year, officials said on Thursday.
"The harmful use of alcohol causes serious public health problems," said Dr. Ala Alwan, WHO assistant director-general for non-communicable diseases and mental health.
The health ministers said the WHO strategy to reduce harmful use of alcohol should be "based on all available evidence and existing best practices...taking into account different national, religious and cultural contexts."
The blueprint, to be presented in two years, should include a set of recommended national measures for states. These could cover guidance on the marketing, pricing, and distribution of alcoholic drinks and public awareness campaigns.
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