Alcohol Consumption, Harms and Policy Developments in Sub‐Saharan Africa

This study found that most countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) have implemented tax policies, but they have seldom adopted other World Health Organization ‘best buys’ for cost‐effective alcohol control policies. Alcohol producers have continued their aggressive marketing and policy interference activities, some of which have been highlighted and, in a few instances, resisted by civil society and public health advocates, particularly in southern Africa.

The authors conclude that increased government support and commitment are needed to be able to adopt and implement effective alcohol policies and respond to pressures from alcohol companies to which SSA remains a target market.