By Chisomo Phiri
Research conducted by the University of Malawi (UNIMA) and the University of Stirling in Scotland has uncovered an increase in alcohol consumption by youth and females across Africa.
Presenting the research findings titled “Regulating alcohol packaging and supply to protect health in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from policy systems in Malawi and Uganda (RAPSSA)” on Thursday in Lilongwe, lead researcher Dr. Isabelle Uny shed light on the increased alcohol consumption rates.
“The alcohol industry in Africa is using tactics to promote products like beer in larger containers, fruit-flavored beverages to attract this demographic. Alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for death in this region,” she stated.
In his presentation on the National Alcohol Policy, Assistant Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health Michael Udedi highlighted the need to enforce restrictions on the promotion, sponsorship, advertising, and importation of alcohol in the country through the revision of the National Alcohol Policy.
“The policy intends to curb harmful consumption of alcohol; therefore, there is a need for the development of systems that monitor the marketing of alcoholic products in the country.”he said.
Chairperson of the parliament health committee Dr. Mathews Ngwale encouraged Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) and other stakeholders to bring the issue into focus to be discussed in Parliament.
“We as parliamentarians do not initiate laws or issues ourselves as we are not lawmakers but rather mere representatives of the people from our societies; we therefore appeal to all stakeholders, be they individuals or organizations, to bring their findings so we amend the policy if there is a need,” said Ngwale.
The research was presented in the presence of stakeholders from the Southern Africa alcohol policy alliance, the Malawi Chapter, Danish church aid, Parliamentarians, ministries of health and homeland security, and the trade industry.
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