In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic Southern African leaders are making bold political choices to save the lives of their citizenry. One of these choices relates to the prevention and reduction of alcohol harm in the eight Southern African countries.Aadielah, Maurice and Tunga examine the responses in each of these countries and analyze challenges …

We know what business and the trade unions think of SONA. We have heard what the other political parties have to say. But how have civil society organisations responded? Read more here.

The debate about the role of alcohol in the rapid spread of COVID-19 continues. It has been said that liquor traders and its customers are not adhering to the safety measures. Maurice Smithers, Director Southern African Alcohol Policy Allian unpacks this.

Following the cold-blooded shooting of seven patrons in two Khayelitsha liquor outlets on Wednesday and Friday night last week. The Khayelitsha Health Forum and the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance want the Liquor Authority to relook at the number of licenses to sell alcohol in Khayelitsha and they also want better policing and closing down …

Today organisations and countries across the world observe No Alcohol Day. WHO Afro region will also gather in Johannesburg to deliberate the implementation of the Global Alcohol Strategy of 2010 by countries on the continent. And across the oceans public health advocates and researchers are gathering in Melbourne to share emerging evidence on health outcomes …

The President’s response to the link to alcohol and GBV is a step backward for the country. In 2011 the Inter-ministerial committee on substance abuse accepted international evidence and WHO recommendations on more restrictive legislation of marketing, pricing and retailing as best buys to reduce the harm of alcohol to society and the economy. Education …

The Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) is the leading forum for the world’s alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists and practitioners. Building on the strong commitment and recent alcohol policy interventions in the country, Ireland is the perfect host for GAPC 2020. It will be held in Dublin 9-11 March 2020. The conference …

Alcohol the “legal” drug that costs South Africa billions The alcohol industry promotes alcohol as an essential element of a desirable lifestyle by using images of young, successful, fun-loving people surrounded by copious amounts of alcohol. None of the adverts talk about the fact that alcohol is a drug (or an addictive substance) that affects …

When the new Constitution was drafted in post-apartheid South Africa, the notion of ‘free choice’ was integral to its framing. Not surprising, given the extent to which the apartheid government attempted to control every aspect of every South African’s life. However, free market protagonists like Ron Cregan (Daily Maverick, 21 May 2019) continually subvert the …

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) applauds the WHO for its global leadership in prioritising the promotion of public health. In particular, SAAPA welcomes the WHO’s recent ground-breaking announcement that, in the process of developing its policies and implementing its programmes, it will not consult with or enter into partnerships with the alcohol industry. …