RAISE

Targets to reduce alcohol consumption are included in the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDsthe Prevention and Control of NCDs, the NCDs Global Monitoring Framework and in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These highlight the recognition of the harm inflicted by alcohol on individuals and societies and the need for effective policies. There is robust evidence suggesting that reducing the affordability of alcohol is a cost-effective measure to reduce its consumption and harms, as well as to tackle broader health inequalities. This is also highlighted in the letter R of the WHO SAFER initiative.

This webinar aimed to present not only some of the evidence supporting alcohol pricing policies, but also to showcase the work done by WHO in the PAHO Region and success stories from some countries. Finally, the event offered an opportunity for discussion with Member States and civil societies about how to build support for pricing policies from policy makers and the public.

During AWARH, SHAAP & AFS urged the Scottish Government for an increase in MUP in an effort to save more lives from alcohol-related harm. Their call was supported by 28 national and global organisations. MUP was first introduced in Scotland in 2018 and in the two years following its implementation there was a reduction in alcohol consumption and decrease in hospital admissions from alcohol-related liver conditions. Alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland also decreased by 10% in 2019. Unfortunately, however, the pandemic changed drinking patterns within the population and alcohol-related deaths rose by a devastating 17% in 2020.

           
SHAAP & AFS are calling for a rise of MUP from the current price of 50p to 65p. The original modelling of MUP predicted that a price of 60p per unit could save twice as many lives and hospital admissions, while 70p could triple the effect.