14 January 2010

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is looking forward to the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board’s decision on a draft global alcohol strategy when it meets next week.

The strategy, which aims to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, has been developed following a Health Assembly resolution two years ago. It includes 10 recommended target areas for national action including: community action, drink-driving, availability, marketing, pricing and reducing the public health impact of drinking and intoxication.

“The development and consideration of the strategy is timely, with the WHO considering a global strategy at the same time as we’re going through a comprehensive review of New Zealand’s alcohol laws,” said ALAC Chief Executive Officer Gerard Vaughan.

“It’s pleasing to see that in New Zealand we are debating the same range of issues on policy and intervention that the WHO Executive Board is considering next week. Like us, the global strategy also focuses on addressing harmful alcohol use including patterns of drinking and the health and societal consequences that result for both the drinker, the people around the drinker and society.

“ALAC supports the development of a global alcohol strategy which enables New Zealand’s efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm to be aligned with a broader international approach.”

For further information or comment contact Jo Fitzgerald on 021 472 520.