In a Comment which accompanies the alcohol Series, Professors Robert Beaglehole and Ruth Bonita, University of Auckland, New Zealand, say that, despite the parallels between alcohol and tobacco, 'there seems to be little immediate chance of WHO or member states supporting the complex process of developing a Framework Convention on Alcohol Control'. They say: "To gain traction, this framework will need dedicated support and pressure from a few committed countries, supported by a strong global network of non-governmental organisations. Non-governmental organisations in the alcohol field need to strengthen their international presence and learn from the tobacco-control area."
They conclude: "The power imbalance between industry and health groups is a key reason for the continuing neglect of alcohol as a global health issue. Other impediments include the absence of clarity on the alcohol control message, the political context that gives priority to an individual's responsibility for health, and the close connection of alcohol with many aspects of social and cultural norms. Generation of political priority for alcohol as a global health issue is the crucial next step."
Professors Robert Beaglehole and Ruth Bonita, University of Auckland, New Zealand T) + 64 21024 98065 E) r.beaglehole@auckland.ac.nz
For full Comment see: http://press.thelancet.com/alccomments.pdf
Journal
The Lancet