To provide a one-stop resource for policy-makers, researchers, media organizations, the academic community and the general public on the health and socioeconomic implications of alcohol, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Viet Nam launched the publication, Questions and answers on alcohol-related harms. The publication provides scientific evidence on harms of alcohol use to the health of users, to others and the society at large.
Harmful use of alcohol is known to cause major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis, cancer and about 230 different types of diseases. It took an estimated 79 000 lives in Viet Nam in 2016. During the last 10 years, the average pure alcohol consumption in the country has doubled – from 3.8 litres in 2005 to 8.3 litres in 2016. An 8.3-litre pure alcohol consumption means an adult drinks 15 glasses of bia hoi every week. Viet Nam’s average pure alcohol consumption is 30% higher than the global average of 6.4 litres.
WHO has been supporting the Ministry of Health in preventing the rapidly increasing alcohol consumption trend in Viet Nam. Currently, WHO works with the Ministry in developing and lobbying for approval of the law for the prevention and control of alcohol-related harms. The proposed law focuses on the implementation of three best-buys, namely, increased excise taxes on alcoholic beverages; enacted and enforced bans or comprehensive restrictions on exposure to alcohol advertising (across multiple types of media); and enacted and enforced restrictions on the availability of retailed alcohol (via reduced hours of sale).
Questions and answers on alcohol-related harms was developed with technical contribution from national and international experts.
Related link:
https://iris.wpro.who.int/