Alcohol consumption was responsible for an average 85,000 deaths annually during the period 2013 to 2015 in the Americas, according to a study undertaken by PAHO/WHO and PAHO has called for countries to take action by increasing taxes and restricting advertising.
In a press release yesterday, Dr. Anselm Hennis, director of PAHO’s Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health said, “This study demonstrates that harmful use of alcohol in the Americas is a major public health priority. It is associated with preventable deaths and many years of life lived with a disability. We need effective, feasible and sustainable interventions, policies and programmes to reduce the consumption of alcohol.”
PAHO urged countries in the Americas to curb harmful alcohol consumption by upping taxes on alcohol and instituting comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, promotion and sponsorship. It also said that improving the quality of data on alcohol mortality and morbidity is critical for monitoring the impact of alcohol consumption.