PRESS RELEASE
WHO adopts global action plan highlighting role for lower alcohol beverages in supporting effective alcohol policies
Geneva, 27 May 2022 – Today, the 75th World Health Assembly concluded its consideration of the Action Plan (2022-2030) to Effectively Implement the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol as a Public Health Priority and formally adopted the document as part of its work on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
“The Worldwide Brewing Alliance (WBA) welcomes the adoption of the action plan and congratulates the WHO on the conclusion of this process,” Justin Kissinger, WBA’s CEO & President. “While not a perfect document in our view, it makes a meaningful contribution to accelerating the reduction of the harmful use of alcohol. In particular, the document recognizes that promoting lower alcohol products can reduce harmful consumption at the population level.”
The action plan also references the need to understand better the conditions under which lower alcohol products, such as beer, can be part of the solution against harmful drinking. “WBA welcomes expanded research to reinforce our understanding of why and how differentiated alcohol control policies are effective tools to reduce the harmful use of alcohol,” said Kissinger.
WBA’s members, who represent more than 80% of global beer production, are leaders in establishing the low and non-alcoholic category and continue to work to align the growth of the beer sector with consumer trends and public health objectives.
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The Worldwide Brewing Alliance (WBA) involves brewers and brewing trade associations from around the world. The objective of the WBA is to share knowledge and best practice amongst brewers and other concerned stakeholders and to act as a global, united voice on the integrity of beer and the social responsibility of brewers to a variety of audiences, including international organizations. Learn more: worldwidebrewingalliance.org