Global alcohol strategy in the making

The 2008 World Health Assembly adopted a resolution that calls for the development of a global strategy to reduce harmful consumption of alcohol. Since then the WHO secretariat has been working to develop a draft Global Strategy to present to the World Health Assembly in May 2010, with prior discussion at the Excecutive Board meeting in Januar.

The WHO Secretariat has now produced and sent out to Member States for their feedback a working document for developing a draft global strategy to reduce harmful use of alcohol. The working document is public and may be downloaded from the WHO website in six languages. It is based on the outcomes of the regional consultations with Member States and consultative process with other stakeholders and contains relevant background information, as well as a proposed vision, objectives and target areas for action by Member States.

WHO has tentatively scheduled an informal consultation with Member Status for 8 October 2009 in Geneva to discuss feedback from Member States on the working document in continuation of the consultation and collaboration process with Member States on developing a draft global strategy to reduce harmful use of alcohol.

In October-November the draft of the global strategy on harmful use of alcohol will be prepared to be included in the documentation for the 126th Executive Board meeting to be held in January 2010.

The working document may be downloaded from this WHO page.

It is noteworthy that the working document has several references to the important role of NGOs and civil society. Among these are the statement that "The involvement and engagement of the civil society are essential" under "Awareness and commitment"; about networks of community institutions and nongovernmental organizations under "Community action"; and numerous references under "Implementing the strategy".