This presentation describes the history and purpose of the Alcohol and Public Policy project, an international collaborative effort sponsored by the World Health Organization, which is designed to bring science into a better relationship with alcohol policy, and to enhance the communication between researchers and policymakers. To address the need for a systematic analysis of policy-relevant alcohol research, a small group of experts established in 1992 the Alcohol and Public Policy Project. The group recruited an international team of research scientists, consulted with experts throughout the world, and published a number of books, monographs, reports and reviews of the accumulated knowledge on how to deal with alcohol problems in the public policy arena. Based on the increasing knowledge base, the changing climate of alcohol policy and international trends in drinking problems, a new report was commissioned by WHO in 1998. The focus of the new report is on alcohol and public policy, i.e., organized actions that can be taken by governments and communities to address the public health consequences of alcohol misuse. To introduce the findings of the new report, this presentation will give examples of kinds of policies that have been used by communities, nations and international organizations to address alcohol-related problems. It will also summarize the critical issues related to alcohol policy, describes the enormous public health significance of alcohol-related problems, discuss the importance of scientific research in the formation of policy, and describe the successes and failures of previous policy initiatives.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to define the meaning of alcohol policy and give examples of alcohol policies used in different parts of the world. Participants will also gain knowledge of the Alcohol and Public Policy Project and the nature of its most recent report.
Keywords: Public Health Policy, Public Health Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.