Global Report on Alcohol Consumption and Health
The harmful use of alcohol is one of the leading risk factors for population health worldwide and causes more than 5% of the global disease burden. Over 200 health conditions are connected to excessive alcohol use and it has been linked with the strengthening of inequalities within countries.
In a recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) it was found that over 3 million people died worldwide as a result of dangerous alcohol consumption, and that around 237 million men and 46 million women suffer from alcohol use disorders. It was also uncovered that more than a quarter of all 15-19 years are current drinkers.
According to the current trends and projections within the survey it is predicted that there will be an increase in global alcohol consumption within the next 10 years.
In response to the results Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO notes that: “It’s time to step up action to prevent this serious threat to the development of healthy societies.” There is a need for greater support to low- and middle-income countries to help introduce policies to reduce alcohol consumption, and for the proposals of new innovative solutions to address the on-going global issue.