United civil society delivers WHO action plan

All 51 WHO European member states adopted a framework to pursue evidence-based alcohol policies last week, thanks to the combined efforts of civil society.

“This is a moment to celebrate. The adoption of the framework was by no means inevitable. It shows a united civil society can drive progress,” said Eurocare Secretary General Florence Berteletti.

The WHO Framework for Action on Alcohol gained unanimous endorsement at the 72nd Regional Committee Meeting in Tel Aviv on September 14th.

Governments must see that alcohol harms are on a par with those of tobacco, Ms Berteletti said in her speech supporting the framework. The alcohol industry was “part of the problem”, as in tobacco, she said.

“Don’t trust the industry. Civil society, all of us, we look forward to implementing the alcohol action plan with you in years to come,” she concluded.