WHO approves new anti-alcohol strategy

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — World Health Organisation members on Thursday approved plans for a new strategy to curb the harmful effects of alcohol.

Delegates from the WHO's 193 member states meeting at its annual assembly here called on Director General Margaret Chan to draw up a draft global strategy over the next two years on how best to tackle the problem.

The WHO said it was "deeply concerned by the extent of public health problems associated with harmful use of alcohol, including injuries and violence".

Spokeswoman Fadela Chaib said member states also drew attention to the links between alcohol and domestic violence, the risks to pregnant women and road safety.

The exact form and content of the draft global strategy was unclear but Chaib said no states had...