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In time to coincide with preparation for the international conference Global Actions: Initiatives to Reduce Harmful Drinking, ICAP held an embassy briefing on September 21, 2012 for the diplomatic community in Washington, DC. Diplomats from approximately 26 countries, including Global Actions focus countries Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia, were in attendance.
The briefing addressed the actions global producers of beer, wine, and spirits have taken in recognition that the harmful use of alcohol has a serious effect on public health and is a risk factor for non‐communicable diseases.
ICAP Senior Vice President Brett Bivans spoke about the role of ICAP in promoting coordination the implementation of the Global Actions at local level in 18 low- and middle-income countries—programs that are engaging the drinks industry, the research and public health communities, government, and civil society to contribute to the goals of the WHO Global Strategy to Reduce Harmful Use of Alcohol.
“Global Actions initiatives are contributing in a substantial way to the active engagement of local stakeholders to address harmful drinking by working together across sectors and innovative ways. With a focus on building capabilities at jurisdiction level and within partner organizations, ICAP has been able to expand access, use and adaptation of recognized international expertise and good practice,” Bivans explained to briefing participants.
ICAP President Marcus Grant (with Bivans in photo) gave an overview of the findings contained in an ICAP report to the international community which will be released at the conference in October. The Report highlights ICAP’s analysis of action submitted by industry members which are supportive of the objectives of the WHO Strategy to reduce harmful drinking. The conference will provide an important forum to discuss future industry actions to extend the scope and duration of the initial phase of the Global Actions program.
“The adoption in May 2010 of the Global Strategy by WHO Member States is a milestone for all stakeholders to assess their contributions to reducing harmful drinking,” Grant noted.
“The conference, the Report, and the future actions of beverage alcohol industry members provides a further opportunity to take stock and reinvigorate the shared commitment to working together to reduce harmful drinking.”
An additional diplomatic briefing is planned for Geneva in November.
What’s Happening Next:
·Brazil: Global Actions is holding a Latin America regional meeting “Working Together: Research, Education, and Prevention” on October 30, 2012 in Sao Paulo with the Center for Information on Health and Alcohol (CISA).
