UN Health Agency Asks For Public Suggestions On Curbing Harmful Alcohol Use
New York, Oct 2 2008 1:10PM
With more than two million people dying from alcohol-related causes annually, the United Nations World Health
Organization (WHO) is launching a month-long online forum to give a voice to the public on how to curb harmful
consumption.
During its World Health Assembly in May, nations asked WHO to create a global strategy to combat destructive alcohol
use, and the Internet discussion will run from 3 to 31 October.
“This web-based public hearing is broad and inclusive and will provide and opportunity for everyone, including the
public, to present their views on effective strategies to reduce the burden resulting the harmful use of alcohol,” said
Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster.
Submissions can be made to the WHO website in all of the six official UN languages, and will form the documentation to
be discussed during upcoming separate meetings with alcohol industry representatives, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), professionals and Member States.
Benedetto Saraceno, Director of the agency’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, called for maximum
participation in the online hearing.
“We are particularly interested in getting views on integrated approaches that can protect at-risk populations, young
people and those affected by harmful drinking by others,” he said.
ENDS