WAAPA Launches A Strategic Plan To Fight Alcohol Abuse

The West African Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA) has launched a five-year strategic plan to tackle alcohol abuse and other alcohol-related drug abuses.

The duration for the implementation of the strategy commenced September, 2022, and it will end August, 2027. It is geared towards prevention and minimization of alcohol intake to help accomplish goals and targets in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3.5 which states that “strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotics drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol”.

Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini,  said,  ”The Health Ministry will continue to commit funds and expertise through its departments and agencies to ensure the implementation of the alcohol policy and its related legislations and action plans towards the attainment of a global alcohol action plan,”

The Director of the Tobacco and Substance Abuse Directorate of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr Olivia Boateng, also highlighted some steps taken by the authority over the years to combat the harmful use of alcohol and said it was also drafting and reviewing  sections of the Harmful Use of Alcohol Regulations Act, 2021.