Yesterday, Stowelink, through the Chief Programs Officer, had the opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking alcohol policy dialogue for the Africa region titled “Can policy measures restricting availability reduce alcohol consumption in young people in Africa?” The event was co-organised by the University of Stirling (UK) and the World Health Organization’s Less Alcohol Unit, and brought together leading public health experts, researchers, and advocates from across the continent.

The session was moderated by Dr. Aldehid Onyango, Director for Universal Health Coverage/Healthier Populations at WHO, who set the tone by underscoring the importance of multi-sectoral action to tackle alcohol harm, especially among Africa’s young population.

🧠 Keynote Presentation: Dr. Fikru T. Tullu, WHO Afro

Dr. Fikru T. Tullu provided an overview of the state of alcohol consumption in the WHO African Region, sharing alarming global and regional data:

• Alcohol was responsible for approximately 2.6 million deaths globally in 2019.
• In the African region, the age-standardized alcohol-related death rate is 52.2 per 100,000 population.
• The average per capita consumption in the African region is 4.8 litres, with a stark gender divide: 7.8L for men and 1.8L for women.

Despite global advocacy, alcohol consumption has remained relatively stable in Africa from 2000 to 2016, at a time when global per capita consumption dropped from 5.7L to 5.5L (4.5% relative reduction). This marginal decline is insufficient to meet the global target.

Dr. Tullu identified several barriers undermining alcohol regulation efforts in the region:

• Weak and limited regulatory frameworks
• Industry interference in policymaking
• Proliferation of cheap, packaged alcohol in sachets and small bottles
• Widespread informal and illegal brewing and distillation

However, hope remains. The African region has adopted the Framework for Implementing the Global Alcohol Action Plan, 2022–2030, supported by the SAFER Technical Package — a WHO initiative offering cost-effective strategies to reduce alcohol harm.

Dr. Tullu concluded with a compelling economic argument: Every USD $1 invested in alcohol prevention yields USD $8.32 in return on investment — a powerful incentive for governments to act.

📚 Evidence from the Field: Dr. Emeka Dumbili

Dr. Emeka Dumbili, from the University College Dublin, offered a deep dive into local evidence around youth alcohol use in Africa. He highlighted socio-economic and cultural drivers that lead young people to consume alcohol, including peer pressure, media influences, and urbanization.

He also shared recent per capita consumption data, naming Seychelles, Uganda, and Tanzania among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption rates globally. His analysis underscored the urgency of tailored, data-driven policy responses across the continent.

🌐 East African Breakout Session: Local Realities and Policy Experiences

In the East African breakout room, we heard two enlightening presentations:

Policy Lessons from Malawi – Prof. Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye

Prof. Nazarius Tumwesigye from Makerere University detailed Malawi’s experience in regulating alcohol packaging and supply. His analysis demonstrated how strong political will and policy coherence can limit the availability of harmful alcohol products, particularly those packaged in small, high-alcohol content containers.

Kenya’s Youth at Risk – Dr. Patrick Mwangala

Dr. Patrick Mwangala presented startling statistics from Kenya, where alcohol use is worryingly high among emerging adults aged 18–24, with a 24% prevalence rate. He emphasized the urgent need for policy interventions targeting youth, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

A Stowelink Foundation, we remain committed to address alcohol consumption through initiatives and policy advocacy.