Alcohol consumption and the harms related to it are responsible for some of the greatest health and societal challenges in the WHO European Region. Alcohol consumption causes more than 200 diseases, health conditions and injuries, and is a Group 1 human carcinogen, linked to seven types of cancer.
As part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness of the harm caused by alcohol, the WHO Regional Office for Europe is organizing a webinar, in collaboration with the Government of Ireland and civil society partners. The event takes forward the implementation of the European framework for action on alcohol, 2022–2025, which was unanimously adopted by WHO European Region Member States in September 2022, following three years of consultations.
The framework is based on robust evidence for policies to reduce harms from alcohol consumption. It lays out policy options based on the best available evidence.
In total, six areas are prioritized: alcohol pricing; alcohol availability; alcohol marketing; health information, with a specific focus on alcohol labelling; health services’ response; and community action. These focus areas intersect, and a comprehensive approach is recommended to ensure the greatest impact.
This meeting will:
- introduce the European framework for action on alcohol, 2022–2025;
- provide opportunities for countries and civil society representatives to share ideas about how to implement key priorities, including overcoming challenges; and
- commit participants to work towards a SAFER WHO European Region free from harm due to alcohol.
The working languages of the meeting will be English and Russian, and simultaneous interpretation will be provided.